It will be nice if David Warner gets injured for a long time: KL Rahul

KL Rahul, the vice-captain of Team India for the Australia ODI and T20Is, in his humorous self, stated that David Warner staying injured for a long period would be helpful for the Indian team. Warner injured his groin during the second ODI on Sunday, November 29 at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Subsequently, he was ruled out of the last ODI at the Manuka Oval in Canberra and the three T20Is.

D’Arcy Short has replaced him for the T20Is. In the first two ODIs, Warner didn’t get centuries like his teammates, but by scoring half-centuries, he gave his team brisk starts. Though Rahul saw the funny side of the injury, on a serious note, he said that he won’t be wishing bad for any player.

KL Rahul jokes

“It will be nice if he gets injured for a long time. I would not wish that for any player but he is their main batsman, it will be good for our team,” Rahul was quoted as saying in the post-match press conference.

KL Rahul wouldn't mind David Warner being injured for a long time 😅#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/azHU2hlLn1

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) November 29, 2020

Along with David Warner, fast bowler Pat Cummins also won’t be playing in the remaining white-ball fixtures against the visiting team. The pacer got three wickets in the second game at the SCG but has looked far from his best. He was also indifferent when he played for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League.

Justin Langer, the Australian head coach, was clear cut in saying that keeping Cummins and Warner ‘physically and mentally’ fit for the Test series is of prime importance.

“Pat and Davie are critical to our plans for the Test Series. Davie will work through his injury rehab and in Pat’s case it is important all of our players are managed well to keep them mentally and physically fit throughout what is a challenging summer,” Langer was quoted as saying.

“The priority for both is being fully prepared for one of the biggest and most important home Test Series we have played in recent years, especially with World Test Championship points up for grabs,” he added. The Test series gets underway on December 17 with the first Test in Adelaide.