Punjab Kings were dealt with a major blow after their skipper KL Rahul was hospitalised with acute appendicitis, the franchise confirmed on Sunday afternoon. The news comes hours ahead of their all-important clash against Delhi Capitals at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad later today.
Incidentally, the 28-year-old complained of severe abdomen pain last night and didn’t respond to medication. Following which he was admitted to a hospital. Universe Boss Chris Gayle is expected to lead the side in the absence of KL Rahul after the Caribbean stalwart led the side against Royal Challengers Bangalore in Rahul’s absence for a brief period.
KL Rahul hospitalised with appendicitis
“KL Rahul complained of a severe abdomen pain last night and after not responding to medication, he was taken to the emergency room for further tests which revealed that he was diagnosed with acute appendicitis. It will be resolved surgically and for safety measures he has been transferred to the hospital for the same.” Punjab Kings wrote in a tweet.
Praying for KL Rahul’s health and speedy recovery 🙏❤️#SaddaPunjab #PunjabKings #IPL2021 pic.twitter.com/q81OtUz297
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) May 2, 2021
KL Rahul is likely to be out of action for the foreseeable future – the exact not yet confirmed by the franchise yet. Upon full recovery from his surgical procedure, he’ll also have to serve a quarantine period if and when he returns to the Punjab Kings bio-bubble.
KL Rahul is the top run-scorer in IPL 2021 at the moment, having notched up 331 runs in seven innings with four half-centuries. With both Mayank Agarwal and Rahul out of action now, the Punjab franchise will see a new opening combination in their next game.
Punjab Kings are currently fifth on the points table with three wins from four matches. They will have to win the next couple of games to keep themselves in the hunt for a playoff spot with their first challenge against Rishabh Pant-led Delhi. Delhi Capitals have been in decent form so far in IPL 2021 and will hope to keep up their winning run.
