Former India batter Aakash Chopra has said India should play Shreyas Iyer against Bangladesh if he is fit. India is set to face Bangladesh in their final Super-4 match in the ongoing Asia Cup 2023.
Speaking on his Youtube channel, Chopra said he wants Iyer to play if he is fit, adding that he has been really sweating it out in the nets. Iyer was ruled out of India’s Super-4 matches due to a back spasm.
“I feel Shreyas Iyer should be played if he is fit. To be fair, he is practicing a lot. He has practiced the most, he is really sweating it out. I am pretty sure that he has recovered from back spasms if he is practicing,” said Chopra.
He went on to say that Iyer should come in instead of one of the senior members of India’s batting order. India will be facing Bangladesh in a dead-rubber with the two finalists of the 2023 Asia Cup already decided.
“If he has recovered, he needs to play. However, if he plays, who should he play instead of is the big question you and I need to answer. Some people might get angry, but I believe you shouldn’t say anything to the small kids in the house. You should ask them to play because the elders are experienced and will adjust later,” Chopra added.
Chopra said he would rest Virat Kohli against Bangladesh and keep him fresh for the final against Sri Lanka in Colombo. Kohli has scored 129 runs in three innings in the ongoing Asia Cup.
“The elders have already shown their form. I am talking about Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. So if I have to play Shreyas Iyer, and I do feel he should be played, I will ask Virat to take rest, although he hasn’t played much cricket in the entire August,” said Chopra.
India is set to face Bangladesh before taking on Sri Lanka in the final of Asia Cup 2023 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on September 17.