IND vs PAK: KL Rahul Sweats It Out In Nets With Wicketkeeping Gloves, To Be Available For Pakistan Clash - Reports

Indian wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul is expected to be available for the upcoming match against Pakistan in the ongoing Asia Cup. The highly anticipated match between the two teams will take place at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday, September 10.

KL Rahul was ruled out of the first two group-stage matches in the tournament due to an injury. The right-handed batter fully recovered and joined the team a few days ago. He is putting extra effort into the training sessions to make his comeback in international cricket.

Despite Rahul successfully passing the fitness assessment, concerns remained regarding his wicketkeeping duties. He focused on improving his wicketkeeping skills during the net session on Friday, which may have enhanced his chances of making it into India’s starting XI.

KL Rahul Practices Wicketkeeping Drills In Nets – Reports

According to the PTI report, KL Rahul practiced various wicketkeeping scenarios during his training at the Premadasa Stadium. He started by keeping up to the stumps while support staff members simulated batting and bowling, simulating the experience of keeping wickets for spinners.

He underwent a test of collecting the ball outside the off-stump and was able to crouch comfortably throughout the training session, indicating a positive recovery from his recent injury. He then worked on collecting balls down the leg side as the support staff directed throws in that direction.

The 31-year-old last featured for the Men in Blue in the ODI series against Australia back in March this year. He suffered a thigh injury during the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL). He underwent rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.

Uncertainty Remains Over KL Rahul’s Place In The Playing XI

Ishan Kishan was preferred as wicketkeeper in Rahul’s absence. The left-handed batter smashed three fifties as an opener in the last ODI series against the West Indies. He scored 82 runs off 81 balls against arch-rivals Pakistan in the first match of the tournament.

The team management is hoping to include Rahul in the playing XI in their upcoming Super Four match against Pakistan in Colombo on Sunday. The Men in Blue will lock horns against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in their next matches on September 12 and 15, respectively.

Also read: IND vs PAK: Irfan Pathan Believes KL Rahul Should Be India’s First-Choice Wicketkeeper-Batter Ahead Of Ishan Kishan