Asia Cup 2023: "He Looks Fit And He Might End Up Playing" - MSK Prasad On KL Rahul's Return To International Cricket

Former Indian Chief Selector MSK Prasad opened up about the possibility of wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul’s inclusion in the national team for the upcoming Asia Cup. MSK Prasad expressed confidence in KL Rahul’s complete recovery and fitness to represent the Indian Team.

India has not yet announced the squad for the upcoming Asia Cup. According to reports, the Indian selectors are waiting for the fitness reports of batters Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul, who are recovering from their respective injuries at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.

Seen KL Rahul Playing In The NCA – MSK Prasad

MSK Prasad revealed that he closely watched KL Rahul at the NCA, highlighting that he might end up playing the multi-nation tournament.

“I’ve seen KL Rahul playing in the NCA because I was there for the last one week. So I think he looks fit. I think he looks fit and he might end up playing,” Prasad said.

The continental tournament will be held in Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The tournament will begin with the match between Pakistan and Nepal on August 30 in Multan. The Men in Blue will play against arch-rivals Pakistan in their first match in Pallekele on Saturday, September 7.

Already Organised Two Matches – MSK Prasad

The 48-year-old confirmed that KL Rahul has already played two practice matches at the NCA to prove their match fitness.

“They have already organised two matches for him,” Prasad added.

The 31-year-old last played in the three-match ODI series against Australia in March this year. He sustained a thigh injury while representing the Lucknow Supergiants in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He was ruled out of the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia.

The Karnataka batter underwent successful thigh surgery in May. The team management will be hoping for him to be available for the Asia Cup and the ODI World Cup at home. He is expected to be Team India’s first-choice wicketkeeper-batter after regaining his full-match fitness.

The Rohit Sharma-led team will host Australia for the three-match ODI series just before the ODI World Cup 2023. The team management is expected to field their best combination in the Australia series. The ODI series between the teams will be played between September 22 and 27.

Also read: Asia Cup 2023: Ravi Shastri Gives Honest Opinion On KL Rahul’s Asia Cup Participation