BIG Blow to team India: KL Rahul ruled out of IND vs PAK game in Asia Cup; check update

Digital Desk: Star middle-order batter KL Rahul has been ruled out of the first two games of the Asia Cup 2023, throwing a major blow to the Indian team. Rahul, who is presently training in Alur with the Indian team, won't have enough time to prepare fully for the first two matches.

Rahul's condition was updated by India's head coach Rahul Dravid during a news conference. On September 2, India is scheduled to face Pakistan, and on September 4, they are scheduled to play against Nepal. "KL Rahul is progressing really well but will not be available for India’s first two matches – against Pakistan and Nepal – of the Asia Cup 2023," Dravid said in a press conference.

 

The Indian coach continued by saying that Rahul will undergo another evaluation on September 4 before the tournament's Super Four round (If India qualify). "While we are on the road for the next three days, the NCA will take care of him. On September 4th, we will reassess and we will go from there. The signs are encouraging, and he is making excellent progress.

Shreyas Iyer has checked all the boxes and is ready to play in the Asian tournament, according to Dravid. "Shreyas Iyer ticked every box during the practice session. In the Asia Cup, we'll give him playing time," Dravid added.

 

KL Rahul has made a full recovery from a thigh injury he sustained during the IPL. In May, he had surgery for it in London. But Rahul lately suffered a niggle, as Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar revealed during the announcement of India's Asia Cup squad. He confirmed that his previous injury was not a problem, but there was another one. "KL Rahul is experiencing some discomfort but is expected to recover completely by the second or third Asia Cup match. As a result, Sanju Samson is travelling as a backup player, according to Agarkar, who announced on August 21.

 

Currently, a 17-person Indian team is staying in Alur for a six-day training camp. The Indian players are training out in the nets and playing matches for the continental competition. Rahul was observed practicing his wicket-keeping skills while also batting. The players took a Yo-Yo test on the opening day of camp on Thursday, which was all about fitness evaluations. Rahul played some short wicket-keeping practice on Day 3 and batted on Day 2.