KL Rahul resumes net practice after huge injury scare ahead of BGT 2024-25 opener

In a major boost, Team India cricketer KL Rahul has returned to batting in the nets ahead of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 in Australia. Rahul is expected to open the innings for the visiting team in the absence of skipper Rohit Sharma during the series opener in Perth.

The Indian men's cricket team is currently in Australia for a five-match Test series as part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle. This series is set to commence on Friday, November 22, at Optus Stadium. Ahead of the much-awaited Test series, the team is dealing with injury concerns.

Rohit Sharma is yet to join the squad in Australia as he remains in India to be with his family for the birth of his second child. On November 15, Rohit and Ritika Sajdeh welcomed a baby. As per a report in ESPNcricinfo, Shubman Gill sustained a thumb injury and is likely to miss the opening match.

KL Rahul Returns to Nets After Elbow Injury in Warmup Match

In some positive news for India, KL Rahul is back batting in a net at the WACA. His first hit since copping a blow to his right elbow on Friday #AusvInd pic.twitter.com/uXOHX8dR5S

— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) November 17, 2024

Rahul sustained an elbow injury while batting on 28 against Prasidh Krishna during the first day of the practice match. The right-handed batter was unable to continue his innings after sustaining the injury. He also missed the entire second day's play of the intra-squad warm-up match at the WACA in Perth.

Rahul returned to the nets ahead of the third day's play after recovering from an elbow injury. He is expected to open the innings alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal in the absence of Rohit Sharma for the first Test. This news comes after Shubman Gill is likely to miss the Perth Test with a left thumb fracture.

KL Rahul Expected to Return to India's Lineup for Series Opener in Australia

KL Rahul is expected to return to the lineup and bring stability to India's top order. He had previously opened the innings with Yashasvi Jaiswal in the practice match, and the team management hopes he will be fully fit for the series opener. Rohit's unavailability remains uncertain for the upcoming match.

If Shubman Gill misses the first Test, the team management might consider handing a debut to Abhimanyu Easwaran. With a 10-day gap between the first and second Tests, the India national cricket team, led by Rohit Sharma, could field a stronger lineup for the only day-night match of the Test series.

Andhra all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who received a maiden call from the Test squad, is expected to debut in Perth. Nitish Kumar will offer a fourth fast-bowling option and add depth to the batting unit as well.

India’s likely playing XI for the 1st Test against Australia:

Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (WK), Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah (C).

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