KL Rahul’s fitness and availability for the upcoming Asia Cup 2023 and the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 is still uncertain, as the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru has not yet given a clear indication of his recovery status. The star opener, who suffered a hamstring injury while playing for Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL 2023, has been undergoing rehabilitation at the NCA for the past two months.
According to a report by Cricbuzz, the NCA has not yet formally communicated about the all-clear to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the national selection committee, despite some reports and indications suggesting otherwise. The report also stated that Rahul’s match fitness is likely to be assessed by a few practice matches over the weekend, where he will face some quality bowlers from the NCA.
Also Read: ‘Out of action’ KL Rahul to do 50-over match simulation before Asia Cup 2023
Rahul, who is one of India’s most consistent and versatile batsmen across formats, is a vital cog in the team’s batting line-up. He has scored 2,808 runs in 69 ODIs at an average of 48.41, with six centuries and 15 fifties.
Selectors don’t want to rush Rahul back
The team management is keen on having Rahul back in the squad as soon as possible, especially after India’s less-than-dominant performance in the West Indies, where they are trailing ODI series by 1-2. Rahul’s presence would provide stability and flexibility to the middle-order, which has been a cause of concern for India in recent times.
However, the selectors are also cautious about rushing Rahul back into action without proper assessment of his fitness and form. They do not want to risk aggravating his injury or compromising his long-term career prospects. Therefore, they are waiting for a final word from the NCA before making any decision on his availability for the Asia Cup and the World Cup.
The Asia Cup is scheduled to begin on August 30 in Sri Lanka and Pakistan, where India will face Nepal and Pakistan in Group A.
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