Asia Cup is starting on 30th August in Karachi, Pakistan. India is one of the favourites to win the cup but their former vice-captain is still doubtful for the games in Asia Cup 2023. On Tuesday Rahul Dravid confirmed that KL Rahul will not play the first two games of the tournament. In this article, we will tell you the reasons why KL Rahul is not playing in Asia Cup 2023.
KL Rahul was looking strong in the ODI team at No.5. He is confirmed for that position and he was also ready to take the responsibility of wicketkeeper. Things were looking sorted in the batting order but KL Rahul got himself injured in IPL 2023 in his hamstring. He then went for surgery and took months for his recovery and rehabilitation.
Rahul then invested his time in NCA where he was given the green flag for the Asia Cup and when BCCI announced the squad, he was included in it. He also started practicing wicketkeeper drills as he was also expected to play as a wicketkeeper. During the press conference, chief selector Ajit Agarkar mentioned about a niggle in KL Rahul’s fitness.
KL Rahul ruled out of India’s first two matches
Now it is confirmed by the head coach Rahul Dravid that KL Rahul will miss the first two games against Pakistan and Nepal in the group stage of Asia Cup 2023. He will not travel to Sri Lanka with the team. He will go to NCA in Bangalore after the camp where he will work to get himself available for the Super 4 stage if India qualifies for the Super 4 stage.
Rahul’s absence raises many questions in front of selectors and management. His absence will cause disturbance in the batting order including wicketkeeping. KL Rahul’s batting order was looking promising and with him, batting was also looking strong. But now captain Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid should look to find a strong replacement for him.