Venkatesh Prasad has always been one of the stringent critics of KL Rahul. Time and again, the former fast-bowler has come down upon the wicket-keeper batsman for his lack of performance and selection in the Indian Cricket Team on social media. Ahead of Asia Cup 2023, cricket fans got to see a different side of Prasad. He posted a picture of himself with actor and KL Rahul’s father-in-law Sunil Shetty. They visited the Swamy Narayan Temple in New Jersey and he prayed for KL Rahul who is recovering from an injury.
Notably, Sunil Shetty’s daughter Athiya Shetty married KL Rahul this year after dating for a long time.
Venkatesh Prasad also revealed that he secretly prayed for KL Rahul. he urged him to ‘smash it to all corners’ in the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup to silence the critics ‘like myself’.
“Visited the Swami Narayan temple in New Jeresy with Anna. Prayed for well being of all Bharatvasis & for the Indian Team to do well in the World Cup. Also secretely prayed for KL to smash it to all corners, have a great world cup and silence his critics like me. Sab khush rahein,” Venkatesh captioned the post.
Venkatesh Prasad’s post garnered a lot of attention on social media, with many left bewildered at the apparent U-turn of Venkatesh Prasad. Around February, Prasad had even accused Rahul of being a part of the team because of favouritism.
KL Rahul, who has not played a solitary game after he injured his thigh during LSG’s game against RCB in the IPL, returned to the Indian side after he was named in the 17-member list for the Asia Cup 2023.
KL Rahul Injury Timeline
- November 2021 – Thigh Strain: KL Rahul was ruled out of the two-match Test series against New Zealand in November due to a left thigh strain.
- February 2021 – Hamstring: KL Rahul missed the T20 series against West Indies after suffering a left hamstring injury.
- February 2021 – Hamstring: He failed to recover in time and missed the T20 against Sri Lanka.
- March 2021 – Hamstring: The hamstring injury also ruled him out of the Test series against Sri Lanka.
- January 2021 – Wrist: KL Rahul missed the Test series in Australia after suffering a wrist injury during practice.
- June 2022 – Groin: KL Rahul missed the South Africa series and England tour with a persistent groin injury.
- May 2023 – Thigh: Rahul missed IPL 2023, World Test Championship Final 2023 and India tour of West Indies after suffering an injury on May 1.
- July 2023: On track to recovery, starts batting and keeping practice at the NCA.
- August 2023: KL Rahul faces a setback in recovery and fails a fitness test. His setback is termed as niggle. But he makes it to the Asia Cup 2023 squad. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar claims he is doubtful for the first two games of Asia Cup.
- September 2023: Returns to Team India XI for IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 clash.
Ajit Agarkar revealed that KL would miss a few games due to a fresh niggle and would be available towards the later half of the Asia Cup.
Would Venkatesh Prasad’s prayers be answered with KL Rahul returning to form? Indian fans would be hoping it is a big, fat ‘yes’.
