KL Rahul unsure for first Test against Sri Lanka

KL Rahul who is on his way to make a comeback to the Indian squad has now suffered a temporary setback. The 25-year-old batsman suffered a shoulder injury earlier in April which forced him to the sidelines for three-and-a-half months. The wicketkeeper-batsman has now been diagnosed with high fever and did not travel with the team today from Colombo to Galle for the first Test of the series. Rahul stayed back in the Sri Lankan capital to undergo tests, all of which, fortunately from his and India’s point of view, came out negative.

Rahul looked in good form coming back from the injury as he scored a half-century in the lone practice match against Sri Lanka Board President’s XI (SLBP XI). However, it is expected that Rahul will make a two-hour drive from Colombo either later on Sunday night or on Monday morning to join his team-mates. His inclusion in the squad depends on how quickly he recovers from the fever and regains fitness.

According to Wisden India, speaking about the injuries, the right hander said, “It was quite tough but it is part of a sportsman’s life and part of our career. But it’s good that things like this happened to me early and I am hoping for an injury-free career going forward.”

Capping off a productive season with six half-centuries against Australia, Rahul has been India’s most consistent opener in recent times. Rahul was amongst the three centurions in their last Test tour of Sri Lanka in August-September 2015 and will be hoping to be fit in time.

If Rahul is to be fit, then he will be the first choice opener with either Abhinav Mukund or Shikhar Dhawan to partner him. Newly elected Sri Lankan skipper Dinesh Chandimal is also set to miss the first Test encounter owing to pneumonia. Rangana Herath has instead been named to lead the side.