The India Cricket Team’s fate continues to falter. Just a couple of days ahead of the Border Gavaskar Trophy, veteran batter KL Rahul was injured in a practice session at Perth. India begins their three-day intra-squad friendly at the WACA. KL Rahul was injured after being hit on his elbow.
KL Rahul suffered a major blow while facing a bouncer during the match simulations. The session was stopped as the physios attended KL Rahul. The batter was displeased after being hit and wanted to continue. But with the discomfort continuing, he walked off. Reports claim that KL is now fine and he walked off as a precautionary measure.
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The opening pair conundrum now becomes more uncertain. With Rohit Sharma likely to miss the Perth Test, it was believed that either KL Rahul or Abhimanyu Easwaran would start alongside Shubman Gill. In the intra-squad friendly, KL Rahul opened the innings alongside Jaiswal.
The dependable batter looked in deft touch as he went on to quickly reach 29 runs. He was however retired hurt after being struck on his elbow from a rising delivery. Should the injury turn up to be serious and KL Rahul not be fit before the Perth Test, India will be drawn to their last resort.
In such a scenario, Abhimanyu Easwaran would open proceedings for India. Before departing for Australia, India Cricket Team head coach Gautam Gambhir claimed that KL Rahul is a dependable batter and has performed well both as an opener and at number 6.
KL Rahul’s injury now raises questions about India’s backup options. With Shubman Gill now being the designated number 3 batter, there is a dearth of opening options. While Easwaran warrants his much-awaited Test debut, playing the 29-year-old directly at Perth can backfire for the visitors.
