India are set to get a major boost as senior keeper-batsman KL Rahul is set to make his comeback in the upcoming Asia Cup 2023 after he’s reported to be declared ‘fit’ again.
KL Rahul has been away from action since early May due to a thigh injury he sustained during the IPL 2023 season while captaining the Lucknow Super Giants. He flew to London for surgery and after returning has been at the NCA in Bangalore, recovering to get fit in time for the Asia Cup 2023 which will start on August 30.
KL Rahul is now “completely fit and available for selection”
Now, a report in Times Of India has said that KL Rahul is “completely fit and available for selection” for the Asia Cup 2023, though this begs the question that if he’s fit then why didn’t the selectors pick him for the 3-T20I tour of Ireland, where Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna will make their comeback from back injuries.
In the past few weeks, KL Rahul has been sharing photos and videos of his recovery at the NCA. He has also resumed wicket-keeping in the nets.
“The coaches and medical experts at the BCC’s National Cricket Academy in Bangalore are satisfied with Rahul’s progress/recovery. He will be available for selection for the Asia Cup,” a source told TOI.
Last month, the BCCI had given an update on the injured players at the NCA, stating that KL Rahul has made significant progress, and so did Shreyas Iyer, who is recovering from a back surgery. “They have resumed batting in the nets and are currently undergoing strength and fitness drills,” the release said. “The BCCI Medical Team is satisfied with their progress and will increase their intensity in terms of both skills and strength and conditioning in the coming days.”
While Jasprit Bumrah and Rahul are likely to be on the flight to Sri Lanka for the Asia Cup, Shreyas Iyer, the designated number 4 in ODIs, is likely to miss the continental tournament as he hasn’t yet fully recovered from the back surgery.
India’s first match in Asia Cup is against Pakistan on September 2 in Pallekele.
