Pant, Rahul, and Iyer, three of the first-choice middle-order batters for India in ODIs in the last three years, have all been out of international cricket for a long time, battling injuries. As the World Cupdraws nearer, the focus has shifted to the recovery processes of all three.

India have three campaigns left before the World Cup: three T20Is in Ireland, the Asia Cup, and three ODIs against Australia at home. India have left all three out of the Ireland tour, but there has been growing speculation of Rahul and Iyer making it in time for the Asia Cup.

Pant had survived a major car crash eight months back, but is now easing into cricket. From the NCA, he posted a video of Rahul and Iyer batting together which has come as a pleasant surprise to Indian fans.

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In the video, Iyer is facing a fast bowler in a match-like setting with fielders spread out on the field, while Rahul watches from the non-striker’s end. “Loved watching live cricket after a long time,” wrote Pant, tagging both Rahul and Iyer.

Rahul injured his right thigh during an IPL game against the Royal Challengers Bangalore in May, while Iyer has been plagued by a chronic back problem that required him to get surgery done in April.

India will want both of them get match-ready in time before the World Cup, and are able to get some international game time before the marquee event.

Watch KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer batting together at the NCA in a video posted by Rishabh Pant:

KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer in the practice match.

Rishabh Pant watching them! pic.twitter.com/aDWVc52zOm

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) August 14, 2023