Indian cricketer KL Rahul is likely to miss the five-match T20I series against West Indies. The series starts on Friday, July 29 at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad. KL Rahul tested positive for the covid-19 virus last week. He missed the ODI series against West Indies. As per a report by Espncricinfo, the right-handed batter will also miss the T20I series.
It’s been a tough few weeks for KL Rahul, as he underwent sports hernia surgery last month. He had to miss India’s tour of England, where the visitors played a Test, 3 ODIs, and as many T20 internationals. Following his surgery, he was in Bengaluru, before testing positive for the covid-19 virus. The opener has tested negative twice, as per the rule, but still has been advised to rest by the doctors.
“Rahul needs rest for another fortnight to recover completely from Covid. However, it is unlikely that a replacement for him will be sent to the West Indies. Either Rishabh Pant or Ishan Kishan can open with Rohit. There’s no point in sending someone now,” said a source in the BCCI to the TOI.
KL Rahul set to miss all the five T20is against West Indies. Rishabh Pant or Kishan Kishan to open with Rohit Sharma as BCCI unlikely to announce KL's replacement. (Reported by TOI).
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 27, 2022
Ishan Kishan likely to open the innings for India
KL Rahul was named in the Indian team, with his availability was depending on the results of his cardiovascular tests. In his absence, India will be keen to give Ishan Kishan another opportunity at the top of the order in the T20Is. The Rohit Sharma-led team might also look at Rishabh Pant as the opener. The wicket-keeper batter recently surprised everyone by opening the innings for India.
On Tuesday, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, Dinesh Karthik along with other players arrived in Trinidad for the five-match T20I series. Incidentally, the trio was rested from the ongoing three-match ODI series. The first T20I will take place on July 29, before a couple of matches in St Kitts on August 1 and 2. The final two T20Is will take place at Lauderhill in Florida in the USA, on August 6 and 7.
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