Asia Cup 2023: KL Rahul Starts Wicketkeeping For Extended Period, Likely To Be Named In India's Asia Cup Squad

Ahead of the India squad announcement for Asia Cup 2023, KL Rahul has stepped up his preparation to make his much-awaited comeback to the national team.

KL Rahul has not played for Team India since injuring his thigh while fielding during the match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Lucknow Super Giants on May 1 in IPL 2023. He had to undergo surgery in the UK before he returned to India and went to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru for rehabilitation.

The wicketkeeper-batsman has made remarkable progress but is yet to receive the green light from the NCA. But the signs are very promising and he could get the required clearance from the authorities soon. Not very long ago, he was seen batting during a practice match at the NCA. And according to the latest reports, KL Rahul is now able to keep the wickets for extended periods.

Team India will be desperate to have KL Rahul back as soon as possible for the upcoming Asia Cup and the all-important World Cup. With Rishabh Pant sidelined, the onus will be on KL Rahul to deliver as a middle-order batter and the wicketkeeper.

“Rahul showed impressive fitness levels over the match simulation program (at the NCA) while batting and doing the wicketkeeping duties for an extended period (today),” news agency PTI quoted a source as saying.

“He has started batting from earlier this week and has now added wicketkeeping as well,” the source added.

KL Rahul likely to make it to India’s Asia Cup squad:

One of the reasons behind BCCI’s decision to delay the announcement of the squad for the Asia Cup is KL Rahul’s fitness. The selectors reportedly wanted to wait for a while and give the batter a chance to recover and they will be pleased with the latest development.

With still around two weeks left before the tournament gets underway, the selectors are likely to name KL Rahul in the India squad for Asia Cup 2023. The continental championship is scheduled to be played from August 30 to September 17. India will open their campaign in September against Pakistan.