KL Rahul, a star batsman for India, announced the news on social media that he would not be playing in the World Test Championship final.
On Monday, May 1, Rahul was hurt while playing in the field for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League.
The batter will have thigh surgery, which will keep him from playing in the World Test Championship match against Australia on June 7 at The Oval.
Rahul stated in an Instagram post that he would soon be having surgery on his thigh after giving it some thought and consulting with the medical staff. In the upcoming weeks, I’ll be concentrating on my recovery and rehabilitation. Although it’s a difficult decision, I know it must be made to guarantee a full recovery.
I’m devastated that I won’t be attending the Oval with Team India next month. I’ll exert every effort to rejoin the blue and serve my nation. That has always been my main priority and focus.
Earlier this week, while fielding against RCB, the 31-year-old tore a tendon in his right leg. Rahul was clearly in pain and unable to run between the wickets, even though he did return to bat at No. 11 later in the game.
The Lucknow Super Giants captain had a strong IPL season, scoring 274 runs at an average of 34.25 in nine games.
Rahul’s injury adds to India’s growing injury list ahead of the World Test Championship final. Long-term absentees include Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, and Jasprit Bumrah. Umesh Yadav and Jaydev Unadkat, who were selected for the final squad, are also nursing injuries.
Ajinkya Rahane, one of the unexpected selections in India’s WTC23 squad, is now favoured to come back right into the starting lineup after Rahul was left out.
India has not yet named a replacement for KL Rahul, but KS Bharat’s replacement in the squad may have to be replaced by a new backup wicketkeeper.
