'Absolutely gutted that I won't be at the Oval next month with Team India' - KL Rahul confirms unavailability for WTC final

Lucknow Super Giants skipper KL Rahul will undergo thigh surgery, confirmed the cricketer via his Instagram handle. Rahul, who tore a tendon in his right leg during his side's high-profile clash against Royal Challengers Bangalore earlier this week, confirmed that he will miss the remainder of IPL 2023 along with the WTC final for India in June.

The stylish batter endured a bitter-sweet campaign in the ongoing 16th edition of the tournament with his strike rate a hot topic of debate among experts. However, his unfortunate injury has put an end to his participation in the tournament, with the Lucknow-based franchise hoping to qualify for the playoffs for a second successive year.

It is a massive blow to India's chances in the WTC final against Australia at the Oval in June. Rahul was expected to start for the Test side despite being dropped from the playing eleven of the last two matches of the Border Gavaskar Trophy earlier this year. Rahul expressed his disappointment on his unavailability for the summit clash and is hoping to recover in time to feature in the 50-over World Cup later this year.

"After careful consideration and consultation with the medical team, it's been concluded that I'll be undergoing a surgery on my thigh shortly. Absolutely gutted that I won't be at the Oval next month with Team India. I'll do everything I can to get back in blue and help my country. That has always been my focus and priority," Rahul confirmed via his Instagram post.