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.
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.
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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.
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.