KL Rahul ruled out of India's first two matches in Asia Cup 2023

All eyes were set on the comeback of star India batter KL Rahul who has been struggling with a hamstring injury. The wicketkeeper batter injured his right leg during Lucknow Super Giants's match against Royal Challengers Bangalore on May 1. Following the injury Rahul missed the rest of the IPL 2023 as well as the World Test Championship final against Australia. 

The 31-year-old's comeback in the Asia Cup 2023 has now faced a huge setback as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced on August 29th that Rahul will miss India's first two matches of Asia Cup 2023. India are set to play Nepal and Pakistan in their first two matches. The Men in Blue take on Pakistan on September 2nd in their first Asia Cup 2023 match. 

UPDATE

KL Rahul is progressing really well but will not be available for India’s first two matches – against Pakistan and Nepal – of the #AsiaCup2023: Head Coach Rahul Dravid#TeamIndia

— BCCI (@BCCI) August 29, 2023

The announcement from BCCI means that Rahul will only be available for the Super 4 stage if India qualify from the Group stage. Ishan Kishan, the sole wicketkeeper in the 17-man squad is set to don the gloves against Pakistan and Nepal. 

Earlier, Ajit Agarkar, chief selector of the team had notified the media of the development of a new 'niggle' which was unrelated to the original injury. Reports have now emerged that although Rahul attended the six-day fitness and medical camp at Alur, he did not take part in the yo-yo test. 

Selection headache for Rohit and co.

Rahul's absence from the first two matches is bound to pose a selection headache for Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma. As Rahul bats at a crucial no 5 position for India along with keeping wickets, he becomes a huge asset to the team. His replacement Ishan Kishan bats up the order which means the team will have to select another batter to play in the middle order. 

In order to make way for Ishan, Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli would have to drop down the batting order, something that would be interesting to see.