Team India’s prominent batsman KL Rahul has been off the cricketing scene since May this year due to a hamstring injury picked up during the Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Known for his dual role as a top-order batsman and wicketkeeper, Rahul’s impact on the team’s balance is notable. His temporary absence provided Ishan Kishan the chance to prove his worth in the ODI series against the West Indies.
During the series, Kishan showcased his talent remarkably by achieving impressive half-centuries in all three matches while opening the innings. However, Ishan’s noteworthy performance as a stand-in raised concerns. Ishan’s role as an opener clashed with Rahul’s established position at No. 5, a key spot in the middle-order that Rahul adeptly handles, making him a crucial asset for Team India.
Recovering at the NCA, KL Rahul remains a crucial player in the Indian ODI lineup
In recent times, videos emerged of Rahul resuming his batting practice at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. These clips from his net sessions at the NCA have sparked conjecture about his imminent return to the cricket scene, reviving expectations that Rahul might make a swift comeback to Team India.
As per news agency PTI, it appears that the wicketkeeper-batsman is indeed progressing towards a rapid return, as he has engaged in match simulation drills and has also commenced wicketkeeping duties.
“(KL) Rahul showed impressive fitness levels over the match simulation programme (at the NCA) while batting and doing the wicketkeeping duties for an extended period (today). He has started batting from earlier this week and has now added wicketkeeping as well,” An insider familiar with the matter informed PTI.
Uncertainty surrounds Iyer’s situation
If Rahul does make a comeback in time for the forthcoming Asia Cup, set to commence on August 30, his return would undoubtedly be timely. India’s recent struggles in the middle order, particularly highlighted in the West Indies ODI series, have emphasized the necessity for additional support.
In the first ODI, the team lost five wickets while chasing a modest target of 115 runs, and in the second, they were bowled out for a mere 182 runs while batting first. Alongside the possibility of Rahul’s comeback, Shreyas Iyer is also in the process of recuperating at the NCA.
While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared encouraging progress in Iyer’s recovery last month, the final confirmation of his involvement in the regional championship is still under continuous evaluation.
India’s journey in the Asia Cup begins on September 2, with a match against traditional rivals Pakistan in Kandy.
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