Ex-India cricketer cites 'guarantee' issues over KL Rahul's injury woes before Asia Cup

Ahead of the much-anticipated clash between India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2023, Team India suffered a major blow in the form of KL Rahul. On Tuesday, head coach Rahul Dravid provided further clarity on the status of KL Rahul and made it known that he's been ruled out of the squad for the first two matches. Dravid also shared knowledge of encouraging signs that Rahul has been showing in his recovery period and expressed optimism over him getting some game time later in the tournament. However, a former cricketer thinks there is no certainty that the star batsman will come out as an option even after the first two matches.

3 things you need to know

• Asia Cup 2023 to begin from August 30, 2023
• India will play Pakistan on September 2, 2023
• KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer have been added to the squad

Also Read | Former India opener has tough questions for Team India as KL Rahul's injury woes continue

KL Rahul could miss more than the first two games of Asia Cup 2023

KL Rahul's season was hampered during the IPL 2023 game between RCB and LSG. Though, that match made headlines due to some other reason and purportedly dust has settled on the issues, a thigh injury which was inflicted on KL Rahul in the clash has turned out to become a subject of exasperation for Team India. The 31-year-old underwent a long recuperation period and was expected to recover at the time of Asia Cup 2023. Nevertheless, Rahul has recovered from the injury that took place on the dreaded night of RCB vs. LSG, but just before the continental tournament, a niggle has kept him out.   

The obscurity over KL Rahul is a pressing matter as Rahul is deemed a perfect batter for the number 5 position and is likely to play a key role for Team India in the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup 2023. Thus, experts are chiming in with their opinions on Rahul's fitness. During an on-air show with Star Sports, former India cricketer, Mohammed Kaif also shed light on the precarious matter and said that there are doubts that Rahul will be available even after the first two games. 

“This means KL Rahul’s injury could aggravate. If he is unfit now, there is no guarantee that he will be fit after two games. The news is not good for Indian fans because Rahul plays very well at No. 5 in ODIs. His stats are very good,” said Kaif.

“He knows how to shift gears, is able to play big shots, and knows how to stabilize innings. You won’t get a replacement even if you play Ishan Kishan. Apart from wicket-keeping, Rahul also provides a finishing touch,” Kaif added.

UPDATE

KL Rahul is progressing really well but will not be available for India’s first two matches – against Pakistan and Nepal – of the #AsiaCup2023: Head Coach Rahul Dravid#TeamIndia

— BCCI (@BCCI) August 29, 2023

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Asia Cup 2023

The war over the bragging rights on the continent will begin on August 30, 2023. Pakistan and Nepal will start the proceedings of the Asia Cup 2023. Team India will start its campaign on September 2, 2023 against Pakistan. With 7 titles, Team India is the most successful side in the tournament and would be seeking their 8th. A victory here in the Asia Cup will give India the much-needed impetus for the upcoming World Cup, and all eyes will be on the play that will make waves in the next two weeks.