KL Rahul to be ruled out of IPL 2024? Lucknow Supergiants in a massive crisis ahead of the match against RCB

The Lucknow Super Giants team management is contemplating whether they should allow their captain KL Rahul to participate in tonight’s IPL 2024 game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Rahul has struggled to attain full fitness after sustaining a quadriceps injury during the 1st Test of a 5-match Test series on home soil against England.

The wicket-keeper batsman, who had scored 86 in the 1st innings at Hyderabad, had got out for 22 in the 2nd innings and it was at that time, Rahul picked up the injury.

Even though KL Rahul played both of LSG’s first two games against Rajasthan Royals (away) and Punjab Kings (home) the management is not too keen on forcing a return. Interim captain Nicholas Pooran stated that LSG is relying on how he performs during the training sessions and that a call will be taken just before the match.

Sources have suggested that KL Rahul will not be keeping the wickets tonight as it might negatively affect his quadricep and put stress on the injured area. His fitness problems will not just prove to be a problem for the Uttar Pradesh-based outfit but also the Indian team management led by Rahul Dravid. Rahul is, without a doubt, going to be a key player for the Men in Blue in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA and West Indies, starting from June 1.

KL Rahul only engaged in mobility, sprinting, and throwdown drills

Sources inside the M. Chinnaswamy stadium where LSG plays tonight, confirmed that KL Rahul had entirely opted out of wicket-keeping practice. Under the supervision of head coach Justin Langer, the 31-year-old majorly focused on improving his fitness and becoming gameday ready with certain Mobility drills along with sprinting and also a session of throwdowns.

KL Rahul started with routine timed sprints as well as some plyometric mobility drills under the watch of Langer. The right-hand batsman was then seen exercising and practicing full body movements with a focus on sweep shots but the concerning part was that he complained of pain in the left hamstring.

Following those drills, KL Rahul took the backseat and just kept gazing at other players during the sessions for more than 1 and a half hours. He then walked up to the middle of Chinnaswamy to have a look at the pitch before padding up and having a 15-minute batting session with the throwdown specialist.

After that, Rahul went back for another mobility session which mainly included the cooling down sessions, and was seen conversating with Justin Langer later on.

Langer claims KL Rahul is a wonderful person

While speaking to media reporters last week, LSG head coach Justin Langer had high praise for KL Rahul, claiming him to be a wonderful person with a lot of calmness. Langer regarded him as a beautiful and outstanding player and stated that is the reason why he has gained so much success at the international level.

“He is a beautiful player, he’s an outstanding player. There’s a reason he’s had so much success for India and I’m blessed to have him in our team. He is so calm. He’s a wonderful person.” – Langer told the reporters.