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India’s preparations for the high-profile Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia have hit a bump, as experienced batter KL Rahul suffered a potential injury scare during a practice session. Ahead of the first Test at Optus Stadium in Perth, Rahul was forced to leave the field after being struck on his elbow by a rising delivery.
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Setback for India as KL Rahul Gets Hit on Elbow
Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, Team India is gearing up for a grueling five-match Test series against Australia. As part of their preparation, the Indian squad is currently engaged in an intra-squad practice match at the WACA Ground in Perth. However, the session was interrupted by a concerning incident when Rahul was hit by a bouncer on his elbow.
According to a report from Times of India (TOI), the Karnataka batter was seen in visible pain immediately after the impact. Rahul, who was batting confidently until then, was struck by a quick, rising delivery that forced him to retire hurt. The identity of the bowler was not disclosed, but the incident was serious enough for one of the team physios to escort him off the ground.
Will KL Rahul Miss the Perth Test?
The extent of KL Rahul’s injury remains unclear, sparking concerns over his availability for the series opener. The 31-year-old was seen clutching his elbow and wincing in pain as he walked off, raising questions about whether he will recover in time for the first Test.
Rahul, who recently shifted to the middle order after opening for most of his career, was being considered to move back to the top order if skipper Rohit Sharma misses the first Test due to personal reasons. If Rahul is ruled out, India may look to Abhimanyu Easwaran to fill the vacancy, potentially giving him his maiden Test cap.
Potential Impact on India’s Batting Line-up
The injury comes as a major blow to India’s plans, especially with uncertainties already surrounding Rohit Sharma’s availability. Rahul’s experience on challenging overseas pitches would have been crucial, particularly in the fast-paced conditions of Perth. His absence could lead to significant reshuffling of the batting order, with players like Shubman Gill and Easwaran being considered as potential replacements.
India’s Upcoming Schedule
India’s tour of Australia includes five Tests, starting with the much-anticipated Perth Test on November 30. The series holds significant importance as part of the World Test Championship cycle, and a good performance Down Under could boost India’s chances of securing a spot in the WTC final.
The team management will be anxiously awaiting updates on Rahul’s condition, hoping their star batter can make a swift recovery ahead of the challenging series against a formidable Australian side on their home turf.
