India’s swashbuckling opening batsman KL Rahul is set to miss the first Test match of the upcoming three-match series between Sri Lanka and India, due to viral fever. . While the rest of the squad travelled south of Colombo on a three-hour bus drive, Rahul stayed back in the capital city and remained under observation
Rahul is a very talented batsman and he was one of India’s best batsmen in the grand home season 2016/17. But, at the end of the season, Rahul suffered a blow on his already injured shoulder and as a result, had to go to United Kingdom for a surgery. He also missed the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 due to same reason.
This is a big blow for India as both the first-choice openers KL Rahul and Murali Vijay have been ruled for the first Test. However, Shikhar Dhawan, who has been in good run-scoring form off late and Abhinav Mukund, who has been in and around India’s Test squad in the last couple of years, will be there to do the job for India.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed with a media release.
“As a precautionary measure, Mr. KL Rahul is advised further rest and hence will not be available for selection for the first Test match against Sri Lanka, which starts on July 26 at Galle,” the release stated.
