Setback for Team India: KL Rahul Ruled Out of Crucial Pakistan Clash and Nepal Encounter in Asia Cup 2023

Injury Forces KL Rahul to Miss Initial Group Games; Ishan Kishan Likely to Step in as Wicketkeeper

India’s preparations for the high-stakes clash against Pakistan in the forthcoming Asia Cup have taken a hit with the news of KL Rahul’s unavailability. The Men in Blue are set to kick off their Asia Cup 2023 campaign against their arch-rivals on Saturday, September 2, in Pallekele. Regrettably, they will have to face the challenge without KL Rahul, a key cog in the ODI lineup.

Setback for Team India: KL Rahul Ruled Out of Crucial Pakistan Clash and Nepal Encounter in Asia Cup 2023

Despite being included in the squad for the Asia Cup, KL Rahul’s journey to full fitness has been hindered. Having been on the sidelines for nearly three months following a thigh injury during an IPL 2023 match in May, the wicketkeeper-batsman underwent surgery and recently received medical clearance.

However, chief selector Ajit Agarkar had hinted at Rahul’s potential absence from a few games due to a recent niggle. Agarkar conveyed this information while unveiling the squad on August 21. Although KL Rahul exhibited encouraging signs during the preparatory camp in Bengaluru, where he even took up wicketkeeping duties, the team management remains cautious regarding his recovery, especially in light of the impending World Cup.

Also Read: India World Cup Squad Announcement on September 3 Confirmed- Sanju Samson & Yuzi Chahal to be Standby Players

Head coach Rahul Dravid confirmed on Tuesday that KL Rahul will miss not only the clash against Pakistan but also the subsequent encounter against Nepal. Addressing the media before the team’s departure to Sri Lanka, Dravid stated that Rahul’s unavailability was an unfortunate necessity.

“KL Rahul will be unavailable for the first part of the Asia Cup, for the Kandy leg of the trip,” said Rahul Dravid, acknowledging the batsman’s commendable progress and hard work during the camp. The National Cricket Academy (NCA) will oversee Rahul’s recovery during the team’s travels.

“We will reassess on September 4 and take it from there. But the signs are looking good and he’s progressing really well. He will be unavailable for the first two games,” Rahul Dravid added.

Setback for Team India: KL Rahul Ruled Out of Crucial Pakistan Clash and Nepal Encounter in Asia Cup 2023

KL Rahul’s absence poses a significant challenge for the team, especially in the wicketkeeping department. With Ishan Kishan expected to fill in as the wicketkeeper, Sanju Samson will also accompany the squad as a backup. In the batting lineup, the void left by KL Rahul may provide opportunities for players like Shreyas Iyer and Suryakumar Yadav to step up in the opening games of the Asia Cup.

IPL 2024

Related articles

IND vs AUS Pitch Report: India vs Australia Champions Trophy First Semi-Final Today, Check Dubai International Stadium Pitch Report

The first semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be played today, March 4, at the Dubai International Stadium. This high-stakes match will...

SFS vs RST Dream11 Prediction Today Match, Probable Playing 11, Squads, Pitch Report, Injury Update, European T10 Cricket League 2025, Match 08

Sofia Stars will face off against Royal Strikers in the European T10 Cricket League on Monday, 03 March 2025, at 07:00 PM IST. Sofia...

How to Watch IND vs AUS Semi-Final Match for Free on Mobile and Laptop? Check All Details Here

The outcome of the match between India and New Zealand has clarified the schedule for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-finals. Team India secured...

RST vs CHR Dream11 Prediction Today Match, Probable Playing 11, Squads, Pitch Report, Injury Update, European T10 Cricket League 2025, Match 06

The European T10 Cricket League will feature the Royal Strikers facing off against Christiania on Monday, 3rd March 2025, at 3:00 PM IST. With...

Champions Trophy: Will Rishabh Pant Get a Chance Against New Zealand? Assistant Coach Doeschate Speaks

India’s assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, stated that it has been difficult for star wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant to watch Champions Trophy matches from the...

IND vs NZ- Dubai International Stadium Pitch Report for CT 2025 Today Match

India remains unbeaten in the tournament, but their focus will be on playing spin better as they face New Zealand in the final group...

PCB Releases Pakistan Super League Schedule, Clash with IPL Confirmed; When Will the Tournament Start?

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) released the schedule for the 10th edition of its domestic T20 league, the Pakistan Super League (PSL), on Friday....

IND vs PAK, Asia Cup 2025: India and Pakistan to Face Off Again… Up to 3 Matches Possible in Asia Cup 2025

Cricket fans have exciting news! They will once again witness a high-voltage clash between India and Pakistan this year. The two teams recently faced...