KL Rahul, will miss the final Test of the ongoing series against England in Dharamsala due to a right quadriceps tendon injury. However, there’s good news for his fans and IPL 2024 franchise – Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), as reports suggest he is on track to recover in time for the upcoming season.
LSG aware about KL Rahul for IPL 2024
Currently, KL Rahul is in London consulting a specialist regarding the injury, which forced him out of the second, third, and fourth Tests after playing in the series opener at Hyderabad.
His IPL team, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), are closely monitoring his progress and remain optimistic about his participation in the tournament, which begins on March 22nd. The Super Giants’ first match is scheduled for March 24th against the Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur.
Initial Optimism Dashed by Continued Discomfort
The injury initially arose after the first Test, which India unfortunately lost. The BCCI medical staff at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru initially predicted Rahul’s return for the third Test in Rajkot (played between February 15th and 18th). He was even named in the squad, subject to fitness clearance.
However, KL Rahul never travelled to Rajkot, informing the medical team that he lacked full confidence in his quad’s recovery. Despite undergoing scans at the NCA that didn’t reveal any major concerns, he continued to experience stiffness in his right leg, forcing him to miss the Vizag and Ranchi Tests as well. He kept the selectors updated on his progress throughout this period.
NCA Clearance Needed Before Resuming Cricket
Following the specialist’s evaluation in London, Rahul will require clearance from the NCA before returning to competitive cricket. This process mirrors his situation last year, when he underwent surgery after sustaining a similar injury while fielding during an IPL match between the Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore in May 2023.
The injury not only sidelined him for the remaining IPL season but also forced him to miss the World Test Championship final.
Psychological Impact of Previous Injury
Despite the setback, Rahul managed to return in time for the Asia Cup and later, the World Cup. However, he spoke openly about the mental toll the injury took, expressing doubts about regaining full confidence.
With the specialist’s report pending and NCA clearance still required, Rahul’s return to competitive cricket hinges on his progress in the coming weeks. Nevertheless, both the player and his IPL franchise remain hopeful for his participation in the upcoming season.
