Ajit Agarkar provides major update on KL Rahul ahead of the Asia Cup
BCCI’s chief selector, Ajit Agarkar, has confirmed on August 21 that KL Rahul is dealing with a new injury issue, potentially causing him to miss the initial matches of the Asia Cup 2023 campaign. Both KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, middle-order batters who returned from extended injury breaks, were included in India’s 17-member squad that was announced on Monday, August 21.
KL Rahul’s absence has persisted since IPL 2023, during which he sustained a thigh injury while fielding for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), ultimately requiring surgery in London. Conversely, Shreyas Iyer underwent back surgery, sidelining him from IPL 2023 and subsequent series.
Sanju Samson was chosen as the substitute wicketkeeper, with Agarkar clarifying that the Kerala player would provide cover for KL Rahul, who encountered a new injury concern at the National Cricket Academy.
Addressing his debut press conference as chairman of selectors in New Delhi, Agarkar confirmed that KL Rahul is projected to regain fitness by the second or third match of Asia Cup 2023.
Rahul doubtful for initial few games of the Asia Cup 2023
“Shreyas Iyer has been declared completely fit. KL Rahul, in the last few days, not his original injury, but he has picked up a niggle. That’s why Sanju Samson is at the moment traveling with us. But the physios, I am sure, will get a report, at some stage, they are all expected to be fit. If not at the start of the Asia Cup, probably from the 2nd and 3rd game (Rahul to be fit). He is well on track. Shreyas Iyer has been passed fit. Two important teams for us. We don’t have to pick the World Cup team till September 5. That gives us more time. Long-term injuries (for Iyer and Rahul). They have done really well (in terms of recovery) over the last 2 months. It’s a small setback (for Rahul) but we are all hopeful he will be okay,” Ajit Agarkar said while addressing the reporters in Delhi.
Prior to his injury, Rahul participated in nine matches during the 2022/23 season for the Indian team. During this period, he also took on the role of wicketkeeper and batted at the No.5 position. In these matches, the 30-year-old amassed 321 runs at an impressive average of 45.85.
19:30 IST
