The patchy ground could have been like millions of others in India where hundreds play cricket every day.
But this ground had a proper pitch, and the two players were not tennis ball players but two of the game’s stars – wicketkeeper batsman KL Rahul and No. 4 option Shreyas Iyer.
The ground was at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, where the duo have been recuperating from injuries, trying to get back in match shape before the Asia Cup (starting August 30), and then the World Cup (October 5).
On Monday, Rahul and Iyer underwent match simulation. In simpler words, they played an informal game, or at least a few overs of it.
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Rahul is recovering from thigh surgery, while Iyer got operated for a lower-back stress fracture.
But save for a short video clip, there wasn’t much clue about the match readiness of the two players. Rahul, for one, will also have to keep for 50 overs in addition to batting duties, if selected.
The team for the Asia Cup is expected to be announced this week. India will have a preparatory camp at the NCA from August 24 to 29.
They will then fly to Sri Lanka, where they play their first match against Pakistan on September 2 in Kandy.
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"Keeping 50 overs in Sri Lankan heat would take a toll [on Rahul] and NCA can only give him a fitness certificate if he is able to keep without any apparent discomfort. Also, they (Rahul and Iyer) haven't played anything [in a long time] and the first international game against Pakistan (on September 2) could be a bit too much of pressure. But then time is of essence," a BCCI source said.
Tilak Varma’s performances against the West Indies have brought him into the discussion. But according to the source, he will be considered only if Rahul and Iyer are not available.
“Tilak has started well and he will surely play ODIs in future. But what if he is pushed too quickly and it turns out to be counter-productive? You can't play with young careers. Yes, he could be discussed but only if both Iyer and Rahul are ruled out," the source said.
