KL Rahul, one of Team India’s experienced members, has been out of action since May of this year due to a hamstring injury acquired in the Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Rahul’s effect on the team’s dynamics is evident, due to his multiple duties as a frontline keeper-batsman.
His short absence provided a chance for Ishan Kishan to demonstrate his brilliance in the ODI series versus the West Indies, when he struck stunning half-centuries in all three matches while starting the innings.
However, this great stand-in performance was not without complications. Ishan’s opening role clashed with Rahul’s settled batting spot at No. 5 within the order, a critical position that underpins the middle order. Rahul’s unique ability to organise his innings is what makes him an important part of Team India’s structure.
KL Rahul about to make comeback after steady progress
Some videos have surfaced recently showing Rahul resuming batting inside the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. These peeks inside his NCA net sessions have stoked conjecture about Rahul’s imminent comeback to the Indian team, rekindling expectations that he would soon return to Team India.
And it appears like the wicketkeeper-batter has been working his way back quickly, as news agency PTI says that Rahul has been participating in match simulation exercises and has even been completing wicketkeeping responsibilities.
Rahul’s return for the forthcoming Asia Cup, which is set to begin on August 30, would undoubtedly come at a critical point. India’s recent middle-order problems, most notably in the West Indies ODI series, indicate the urgent need for reinforcements. After losing five wickets in a 115-run chase during the first ODI, India was bowled out for 182 when batting first during the second.
In addition to Rahul’s likely comeback, Shreyas Iyer is recovering at the NCA. Whereas the Indian Cricket Board announced significant progress in Iyer’s recuperation last month, his participation in the continental event is still being evaluated.
Fans react to KL Rahul regaining full fitness after good performances in practice matches ahead of Asia Cup 2023:
KL Rahul has shown impressive fitness levels in practice matches in NCA while batting & wicket-keeping for a long period. [PTI]
Great news for Indian team….!!!! pic.twitter.com/C92AKr0NxD
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 19, 2023
I think he will be in Asia Cup squad
— ORANGE ARMY (@SUNRISERSU) August 19, 2023
Hope he performs well in upcoming asia cup and world cup
— Vishal (@Fanpointofviews) August 19, 2023
Sanju's chances decreased ????
— krishnamoorthy (@krishna99123) August 19, 2023
He is coming to take back what he lost in the last few times ??@klrahul comeback soon champ pic.twitter.com/lOars9aqsj
— Sonu ? (@KLR__1) August 19, 2023
it's a not a good news,it's a bad for India
— Animal._in (@CharansujayCS) August 19, 2023
Well fitness was never the issue
— Parshva (@ParshvaOP) August 19, 2023
Gonna witness the vintage class in Asia Cup
— Chandru (@chxndru_) August 19, 2023
He is one of the better options in middle order and has good odi record.
— ?r7 (@slogger07) August 19, 2023
Roz roz same story pic.twitter.com/QhImbqd3PM
— CSK GOATS (@sardaaar187) August 19, 2023
