Asia Cup 2023: Team India Gets a Big Boost as KL Rahul Is Fit and Available for Selection

In a major boost for Team India’s Asia Cup and ODI World Cup campaigns, senior wicket-keeper batter KL Rahul has successfully recovered from his injury, the Times of India reported on Friday, August 4.

“The coaches and medical experts at the BCCI’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 close to the development was quoted by TOI.

Earlier, the BCCI medical report dated July 21 had confirmed Rahul’s progress, with him resuming batting in the nets and performing strength and fitness exercises at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bangalore.

Rahul sustained a thigh injury during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 match against Royal Challengers Bangalore in Lucknow, which forced him to miss the remainder of the tournament and also ruled him out from big assignments for Team India, including the World Test Championship final and the West Indies tour.

Considering KL Rahul’s exceptional track record batting at number five in ODIs, his absence would have had a considerable impact on India’s performance in the continental tournament. Now, if he makes it to the Asia Cup squad, which is set to be announced on Monday, it will provide a significant boost to the Men in Blue.

India will begin their Asia Cup 2023 campaign with a clash against Pakistan at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on September 2.