KL Rahul Cleared for IPL 2024 Comeback, Rested From Keeping Duties
In a significant boost for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), their charismatic leader KL Rahul has been declared fit to compete in the impending 2024 Indian Premier League season by the National Cricket Academy (NCA). Rahul, who faced a setback due to a quadriceps injury during the first Test against England in Hyderabad, underwent surgery in 2023. His recovery was closely monitored by the NCA, which has now greenlit his return to the cricketing field.
Statement from a NCA sourceHe is fit and can join the IPL franchise in the coming days. He suffered pain in the quadriceps and got an injection too. He went through his rehabilitation and the NCA has now declared him fit. However, he has been advised not to take on the wicket-keeping role immediately
Not all good news
The road to recovery, it seems, has come with certain strategic decisions. The NCA has strongly recommended that Rahul abstain from undertaking wicketkeeping responsibilities for the time being. This precautionary measure is aimed at ensuring the batsman’s well-being and to prevent any undue strain that could potentially jeopardize his convalescence.
As Rahul gears up for his re-entry, the dynamics within the LSG camp are slated to witness an adjustment. It is expected that he will wield his bat in the middle order, a tactical move with dual implications. Not only is this a carefully considered step in management of his physical exertion post-injury, but it is also a conscious effort to bolster his claim for a spot in the Indian squad for the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup.
More changes for LSG
Amidst the fresh lease of health for their skipper, the Lucknow Super Giants are also navigating a shift at the helm in terms of their support staff. Following the departures of former coach Andy Flower and mentor Gautam Gambhir, LSG has been engrossed in preparations for the new season, under the guidance of a revitalized coaching team.
The fans are abuzz with anticipation as LSG is slated to initiate their pursuit of IPL glory against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Sunday, March 24. With Rahul back in the fold, albeit with a tweaked role, the Super Giants are enkindling hopes of translating the skipper’s return into unmatched success in the upcoming IPL 2024 campaign.