The Indian head coach Rahul Dravid confirmed that KL Rahul will miss the first two games of the Asia Cup that will begin on 30th August 2023 after today’s training session. It is a huge blow for the Men in Blue as they need to find out suitable replacement for him.
The Indian team will start their campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan on 2nd September at Palleke International Stadium, Kandy, and finish the league on 4th September. “KL Rahul is progressing really well but will not be available for India’s first two matches – against Pakistan and Nepal – of the AsiaCup2023,” head Coach Rahul Dravid said.
All the team members were involved in a six-day training camp at Alur. During the third training camp, KL Rahul was doing wicketkeeping skills. He underwent batting sessions with match simulation to prepare for the Asia Cup 2023.
The Indian team management decided to be cautious with KL Rahul’s injury giving him ample time to recover from this injury before including him in the playing XI. He recovered from the previous injury but picked a fresh one during the training camp. Ishan Kishan is likely given a chance in the first two matches against Pakistan and Nepal respectively.
“That’s why Sanju Samson is at the moment travelling with us. But the physios, I am sure, will get a report, at some stage, they are all expected to be fit. If not at the start of the Asia Cup, probably from the 2nd and 3rd games (Rahul to be fit). He is well on track. Shreyas Iyer has been passed fit. Two important teams for us. We don’t have to pick the World Cup team till September 5. That gives us more time,” he added.
KL Rahul looks to come back strongly
KL Rahul would be looking to come back strong after picking up a fresh injury ahead of the 2023 Asia Cup. He suffered an injury while fielding in the 2023 IPL against Royal Challengers Bangalore at Lucknow and was out of action for a while.
He will be assessed at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore on September 4 ahead of the Super 4 stage. Shreyas Iyer has been declared fit for the tournament and will be a major boost for the Indian team in the middle order.
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