MUMBAI: It was a superb 199-run knock that Shreyas Iyer hit in a practice tie in Bangalore which convinced the selectors that the middle-order batsman was now fit and ready for a comeback into Team India for the Asia Cup.
Iyer was a part of the Indian team for all the three formats before a serious back injury, which required surgery in England, ruled him out of international cricket since March.
"He smashed the bowlers at the National Cricket Academy, scoring 199 in a practice tie. To provide the selectors with more evidence of his fitness, he then fielded for the entire 50 overs of that match, which was held at the Just Cricket Academy in Bangalore 3-4 days back," a reliable source in the BCCI told TOI.
While much was known about the progress KL Rahul was making after his injury, since the 'keeper-bat was putting out his videos on social media, Iyer was keeping a rather low profile. "For the past two months, he has been stationed at the NCA in Bangalore, focusing on his recovery. It's all come together nicely for him," the source said.
Posting a picture on Instagram with NCA medical chief Nitin Patel and trainer Rajnikanth Sivagnanam, Iyer wrote: "Been a long journey but I'm super grateful to the people who stood by my side to help me get to where I am today. Thank you Nitin bhai, Rajni sir & everyone at the NCA, also outside of it, who've been tirelessly helping me. Much love and much appreciated."
It's also learnt that Team India's Asia Cup preparatory camp will begin from Friday at Alur.
1/10:KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer make comeback in India’s Asia Cup squad
2/10:Rahul & Iyer return after injuries
<p>K L Rahul and Shreyas Iyer are named in India's squad for the Asia Cup beginning August 31 while highly-rated young batter Tilak Varma earned a maiden call-up to the one-day format.<br /></p>Getty Images
3/10:Rahul & Iyer return after injuries
<p>There were question marks over the fitness of Rahul and Iyer, who are making a comeback after undergoing thigh and back surgeries respectively. Iyer last played in March and Rahul in May.<br /></p>Getty Images
4/10:Rahul & Iyer return after injuries
<p>While Iyer was declared fully fit by chief selector Ajit Agarkar, questions remain over Rahul's fitness status.<br /></p>Getty Images
5/10:Samson added as a reserve player
<p>Wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has been added to the squad as a backup for Rahul who has developed a niggle recently, informed Agarkar after announcing the squad here.<br /><br /><br /></p>AFP
6/10:India open their campaign against Pakistan on September 2
<p>India will open their campaign against Pakistan on September 2 and Rahul is likely to miss out due to his niggle.</p>
7/10:Prasidh makes a comeback
<p>Pacer Prasidh Krishna, who made a comeback from injury with the ongoing series in Ireland, has also been included in the Asia Cup squad.<br /></p>Getty Images
8/10:Maiden ODI call-up for Tilak Varma
<p>Tilak Varma has made the cut on the back of an impressive run in his maiden T20 series in the West Indies. The 20-year-old is currently with the T20 squad in Ireland.<br /><br /><br /></p>ANI
9/10:Chahal’s omission
<p>Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal was a notable omission from the squad, leaving India with only one wrist spinner in Kuldeep Yadav. Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja are the other spin bowling options.<br /></p>AFP
10/10:India’s pace battery
<p>Hardik Pandya, who has been named vice-captain, and Shardul Thakur, are the two pace bowling all-rounders while Krishna, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Mohammad Shami are the specialist fast bowlers.<br /></p>APNorthants offer Shaw contract for next season
Meanwhile, his stint may have been cruelly cut short due to a bad knee injury after just three games in the One Cup, but Northamptonshire have already offered Prithvi Shaw a contract for the next season of County cricket.
"The Northants have offered Prithvi a contract for the next season. They are extremely happy with him," a source told TOI.
It's learnt that Shaw will not need knee surgery due to the injury, and should be fine with rehab. "There is a grade 2 tear of the PCL. He is under the care of one of the world's best knee specialists in Andy Williams in London. The knee surgeon has helped many world class cricketers and footballers," a source revealed.
