New Delhi: KL Rahul will Miss First Two Matches of Asia Cup, Says Coach Rahul Dravid
Current Fitness Status of KL Rahul
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared a statement by Team India coach Rahul Dravid regarding the fitness status of KL Rahul, who was named in the squad for the Asia Cup starting on Wednesday.
KL Rahul’s Availability
The statement by Rahul Dravid confirmed that KL Rahul is progressing well, but he will not be available for India’s first two matches against Pakistan and Nepal in the Asia Cup 2023.
- KL Rahul is progressing well but will not be available for India’s first two matches – against Pakistan and Nepal – of the Asia Cup 2023.
- KL Rahul still carries a niggle and will miss the matches.
- The niggle is unrelated to the thigh injury that kept him out of action for months.
Rahul, who made the 17-member squad led by Rohit Sharma, has been carrying a niggle. However, his injury is not related to the thigh injury that kept him out of action for months.
“KL has had a good week with us, playing well, progressing really well but he will be unavailable for the first part for the Kandy leg of the trip,” Dravid said at the pre-departure press conference.
Update from Chief Selector
Ajit Agarkar, the chief selector, mentioned in a press conference that Rahul has a niggle and they expect him to be fit by the second or third game of the tournament.
Decision on Rahul’s Participation
Rahul will be staying back at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and a decision on his participation in the tournament will be taken on September 4.
- The NCA will be looking after Rahul for the next few days while the team is traveling.
- A reassessment will be done on September 4 to determine his availability.
- Initial signs are looking good, but he will be unavailable for the first two games.
Rahul has not played any competitive cricket since his injury during this year’s Indian Premier League.
Upcoming Matches
India will kick off their Asia Cup campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan in Pallekele on September 2 and will face Nepal in their second match.
(With PTI inputs)
