India faces fresh challenges as they prepare for a highly-anticipated showdown with Pakistan on September 2, with KL Rahul sidelined due to injury. Ishan Kishan is expected to take over wicketkeeping duties, but his batting position remains uncertain.
Despite recovering from a thigh injury that had kept him out of action for nearly three months, KL Rahul’s inclusion in the Asia Cup squad was confirmed. His rehabilitation process was supervised at the National Cricket Academy following surgery. However, he suffered a “fresh niggle” unrelated to his previous injury, as disclosed by selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar when the squad was announced on August 21.
Despite this setback, India named KL Rahul in the extended 17-man squad, with Sanju Samson included as a traveling reserve. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar expressed confidence that Rahul would regain fitness, at least in time for the later stages of the Asia Cup.
Nonetheless, head coach Rahul Dravid confirmed Rahul’s unavailability for the first two matches, including the high-profile clash against Pakistan on September 2 in Pallekele. Dravid clarified that Rahul would remain in Bengaluru to focus on his recovery, with a final decision to be made on September 4 after a couple of simulation matches at the National Cricket Academy. Dravid emphasized that this move was precautionary.
“We are hoping that it should be only two games that he is missing. I am not worried about it,” the head coach stated, highlighting Rahul’s impressive batting form during the six-day preparatory camp in Alur, just before the team’s departure to Sri Lanka.
Rahul’s absence has presented a challenge for India, with Ishan Kishan likely to replace him as the wicketkeeper-batsman in the highly-anticipated Group A clash against Pakistan at the Asia Cup 2023 on September 2.
KL Rahul primarily batted at No. 5 for India, whereas Ishan Kishan has never been utilized in that position. With Shreyas Iyer returning to the XI following his recovery from injury, it would be fitting for him to reclaim his original spot at No. 4, where he excelled last year.
The question arises as to whether India will consider reshuffling their top order, given Ishan Kishan’s success as an opener in ODIs in the recent past. Ishan’s memorable double century against Bangladesh came when he opened the batting. However, in ODIs against New Zealand and Australia, the Mumbai Indians batsman was deployed in the middle order, while Shubman Gill was given an opportunity at the top.
In conclusion, India’s preparations for the Asia Cup 2023 have been disrupted by KL Rahul’s injury, forcing them to make adjustments to their lineup and batting order ahead of the much-anticipated clash against Pakistan. Ishan Kishan is expected to step up as the wicketkeeper-batsman, but the final decision regarding the batting order remains a topic of intrigue.
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