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Published 14:39 IST, September 10th 2023

'It was a big downer': KL Rahul discloses main reason behind his delayed return

Ahead of India's match in the Super Four of the Asia Cup 2023, the returning star KL Rahul opens up about the injury he faced in training before the tournament.

Reported by: Aryan Suraj Chadha
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KL Rahul in action, (Image: AP) | Image: self
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Today, The Indian Cricket team will begin their Super Four of the Asia Cup 2023. They take on Pakistan, who just crushed Bangladesh in their first Super Four game by a total of seven wickets. Following the cancellation of their match with Pakistan, Team India's most recent encounter was against Nepal, which they won by a margin of 10 wickets. 

3 things you need to know 

  • KL Rahul is yet to make an appearance in the Asia Cup 
  • Ishan Kishan has been a star performer for India in recent ODI matches 
  • KL Rahul faced a niggle during training before the Asia Cup opener 

Also Read: Major Setback For Pakistan Ahead Of Super-4 Clash Against India In Asia Cup, Check Details

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IND vs PAK: KL Rahul  opens up about his niggle 

KL Rahul, an Indian cricketer, recently admitted that he was ready to make a comeback in the Asia Cup but that he had a slight setback from a niggling injury that caused him to be away from action for a few weeks. Despite encountering numerous difficulties throughout the healing process, he stressed the significance of mental toughness in conquering them.

Rahul was unable to take part in India's opening Asia Cup 2023 group-stage games against Pakistan and Nepal. He is now ready for the team's Super 4 games, though. On Sunday, September 10, the Men in Blue will take on Pakistan at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo in what could be a thrilling match. Talking on BCCI TV, he said: 

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Unfortunately, in the process of doing that [recovery], I developed a small niggle just before I could come back into the team, which was a big downer. I was actually ahead of schedule, and I felt like I could come back much before the Asia Cup and give myself a lot of time and prepare myself really well,

But unfortunately, one more niggle set me back a couple of weeks. So yeah, I went through a bit of ups and downs within the recovery period as well. So that's part of it. I was ready mentally, so I think that really helped,

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Also Read: Ind Vs Pak Live Cricket Score Asia Cup 2023

Team India is looking to solve a big issue in the squad before IND vs PAK 

KL Rahul's inclusion in India's starting XI for the forthcoming match against Pakistan on Sunday will be a difficult decision. The problem arises since India's previous game against Pakistan featured keeper-batsman Ishan Kishan, who scored 82 runs. Before deciding whether Rahul will play in the game, the team management must carefully analyse their alternatives, the batting order, and team strategy.

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14:39 IST, September 10th 2023