KL Rahul to miss first two matches of Asia Cup 2023 due to injury, confirms Dravid

KL Rahul, Indian batsman and wicketkeeper, won’t be present for the opening two matches of the 2023 Asia Cup.

Rahul Dravid, the head coach, gave an update on Rahul’s injuries on Tuesday and stated that while he is doing well, he cannot participate in the first two games.

In a recent tweet on X, previously Twitter, BCCI stated Rahul Dravid’s comment on the last day of training session, “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.”

“The NCA will be looking after him for the next few days while we are traveling. We will reassess on the 4th (September) and take it from there. But the signs are looking good. He will be unavailable for the first two games,” Dravid added.

Ishan Kishan is the team’s backup wicket-keeper batter option, but with the opening position already taken, Sanju Samson, who is traveling as a reserve player, may participate in the tournament’s opening round as a result of the most recent update.

Rahul’s inclusion in the starting eleven was already in doubt due to Ajit Agarkar’s press conference update regarding his most recent niggling issue.

He did, however, practice both batting and wicket-keeping during the week-long fitness and medical training camp in Alur, Karnataka.

Due to a right thigh injury, Rahul hasn’t played in any games since the IPL 2023. After having surgery in London, he has been recuperating at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore with Shreyas Iyer and Jsprit Bumrah.

Bumrah and Iyer, though, are all poised to be included in the starting eleven. Bumrah recently captained the Indian T20I team against Ireland, winning the series with a 2-0 victory.

If India qualifies, Dravid was optimistic that Rahul would participate in the Asia Cup’s Super 4 round.

-IANS