MUMBAI/KOLKATA: KL Rahul, India's first-choice wicketkeeper-batter for the Asia Cup, has been ruled out of the first two matches against Pakistan and Nepal due to a niggle, said India head coach Rahul Dravid on Tuesday. Ishan Kishan is India's second choice for the position, with Sanju Samson picked as travelling reserve.
"KL has had a good week here with us. Trained well and done a lot of things. He's progressing really well on the route that we want to take. But he will be unavailable for the Kandy leg of the trip," said Dravid at a pre-departure press interaction in Bengaluru, where the India squad has been camping for six days. "The NCA will be looking after him for the next few days while we are travelling. We will reassess on the 4th (September) and take it from there. But the signs are looking good and he's progressing really well."
India take on Pakistan in their tournament opener on September 2 followed by Nepal on September 4. With a limited number of ODIS scheduled between now and the beginning of the World Cup in October, Rahul's delayed comeback could be a setback to India's plans as they will have to fall back on Kishan, who unlike Rahul, has never batted at No 5 or 6 in ODIS. India have been pressed to find a solid middle order for some time now, with Rishabh Pant ruled out after his accident last December and Shreyas Iyer only coming back now after a long injury-induced layoff but Dravid said they always had a certain degree of clarity on this issue.
Esta historia es de la edición August 30, 2023 de Hindustan Times.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición August 30, 2023 de Hindustan Times.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Bracelet confessions: Are Khushi-Vedang Insta official?
After dodging questions around their rumoured romance for almost a year, actors Khushi Kapoor and Vedang Raina may have finally let the cat out of the bag – thanks to a bracelet.
SANJAY BANGAR'S KID ARYAN IS NOW ANAYA
The former cricketer's child Anaya has gone viral after sharing her transition story
A nice change of pace: Rithvik on surprise birthday trip to Dubai
Actor Rithvik Dhanjani turned 36 in style this month (on November 5), celebrating with friends on a lavish cruise in Dubai.
Gambhir bats for KL Rahul to open if Rohit misses first Test
For India players, young and old, the tour of Australia is a chance to show how good they really are
SANGITA'S DOUBLE HANDS INDIA WIN OVER MALAYSIA IN OPENING MATCH
Young striker Sangita Kumari scored a brace as defending champions India defeated Malaysia 4-0 to open their campaign at the women's Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament on a confident note on Monday.
Ruud beats Alcaraz in ATP Finals opener
Norway's Casper Ruud eased to a straight-sets victory over Carlos Alcaraz as the Spanish star's bid for a maiden ATP Finals title got off to a poor start.
Imagine how many countries have players like KL, who can actually open, can bat at No.6 as well... he can do the job for us, if Rohit is not available for the first Test
The players left in two batches and will be there well in time for the series opener, but settling down is not going to be easy.
Usha and IOA EC members in row over Natl Games
The announcement of dates for next year's National Games in Uttarakhand has sparked a fresh row between Indian Olympic Association president PT Usha and its executive committee members.
The Gambhir-Rohit chemistry faces big test in Australia series
India coach Gautam Gambhir's media conference on Monday morning before leaving for Australia was so last minute that it couldn't be arranged in the hotel the squad members were staying in.
Chakravarthy gets second wind in spin tale for India
It's rare that spinners take to South African pitches with relish.
