Rahul's usual batting position in OdIs, however, has been No. 5. It's also not clear if he is fit to keep wickets, but India have Ishan Kishan in the XI as well.

Both Iyer and Rahul, as has been well documented, are returning from injuries. Iyer hadn't played since the home ODI series against Australia in early March, and missed the IPL altogether, as he recovered from a back condition that necessitated surgery. He was picked in the Asia Cup squad - as well as in the squad for the ODI World Cup starting next month - after being declared fit by the medical personnel at the BCCI's National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, and was in the India XI for both their group-stage games at the Asia Cup, scoring 14 against Pakistan (he didn't need to bat against Nepal as India won by ten wickets).

While the extent or seriousness of his latest injury are not known, it could be a cause for concern for the India team management with the World Cup not far away.

Rahul hasn't played for India since March, and was out of action altogether after tearing a tendon in his right thigh during the IPL, and was selected in the Asia Cup squad following extensive rehab at the NCA. He was, however, ruled out of the first two matches after picking up a fresh niggle.