KL Rahul not ready for 1st 2 matches of Asia Cup: India’s head coach, Rahul Dravid, has confirmed that KL Rahul will not be available for the initial two matches of the upcoming 2023 Asia Cup. Rahul, who has been out of cricket for almost four months after getting injured in the last IPL, hasn’t found his full fitness yet.
KL Rahul not ready for 1st 2 matches of Asia Cup: Coach Says
According to the coach, his progression has been really good. But the inaugural matches would be too soon for him. He will miss the matches against Pakistan and Nepal, which are scheduled to take place on September 2 and 4, respectively.
Also, READ: KL Rahul not ready for 1st 2 matches of Asia Cup
In a press conference that took place before the team’s departure for the Asia Cup, Dravid shared his insights.
“KL has had a good week here with us. Trained well and done a lot of things. He’s progressing really well on the route that we want to take. But he will be unavailable for the Kandy leg of the trip.”
He also told me that the National Cricket Association (NCA) will be keeping an eye on him, and by September 4, they will have an assessment again about his fitness improvements.
“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 signs are looking good and he’s progressing really well”.
Dravid said.
Also, READ: KL Rahul not ready for 1st 2 matches of Asia Cup
Although Rahul was included in the Asia Cup team that was announced recently, his condition was described as conditionally fit. The team was anticipating his fitness before the start of the tournament. But it might be the upcoming ICC Men’s World Cup that made the team rest him for the initial two matches of the Asia Cup to reduce the potential risk of getting injured again.
As per the KL Rahul not ready for 1st 2 matches of Asia Cup, In the practice sessions that were conducted prior to the team’s departure for the Asia Cup, the selectors were happy to see Rahul’s batting wellness. But again, in wicketkeeping, where you would need more flexibility and fitness, doubt was initiated as Rahul reported soreness after a training match conducted by NCA a week ago. Also, he avoided wicketkeeping in the last practice sessions for India but had a long batting session.
Also READ: KL Rahul not ready for 1st 2 matches of Asia Cup
In the session, he batted for 35 minutes, starting against the spinners. The selectors were assessing his movements, footwork, and batting flexibility, which all turned out to be excellent. He played various shots and a couple of sweeps to proclaim that he was ready. After the spinners, it was the turn of the pacers. Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna went against him, and with the new ball, when he faced short deliveries, he took them well, hitting straight or using the pace of the ball to hit backward. After that, the session went on with short balls, and overall, the batting display was up to par.
KL Rahul had a chat with the coach, Dravid, and the skipper, Virat Kohli, after the session. He took a couple more sessions in the following days, which were brief, to get on track slowly. Ishan Kishan would be wearing the wicketkeeping gloves in the initial matches in the absence of Rahul. The talented Sanju Samson is also a good option, as he follows the team as a traveling reserve.
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