Indian batsman KL Rahul is all set to make his comeback to international cricket during the Asia Cup 2023, which commences on August 30. The talented cricketer had been sidelined due to a thigh injury he sustained while playing for Punjab Kings in IPL 2023, which required surgery. Since then, Rahul has been undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, alongside Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, Rishabh Pant, and Shreyas Iyer.
With his sights set on the upcoming continental championship to be held in Sri Lanka and Pakistan, Rahul is now back in form and fitness. As per a report by the Times of India, Rahul has successfully achieved match fitness and will be available for selection in the Asia Cup. He has been diligently sharing his fitness updates on social media, showcasing his batting prowess in the nets and engaging in keeping drills.
We heard you needed a KL update? 😍 pic.twitter.com/wbtxpe3wzU
— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) August 2, 2023
“The coaches and the BCCI medical experts at the NCA are satisfied with Rahul’s progress. He will be available for the Asia Cup,” quoted a source in the report. On the other hand, Shreyas Iyer is facing continued challenges with back problems despite having undergone surgery.
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Unfortunately, the talented right-hander is likely to miss the Asia Cup due to his ongoing recovery process. In addition to Rahul’s comeback, fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is set to return to the field after a nearly year-long hiatus during the Ireland series, which begins on August 18. He has been appointed as the captain of the Indian team, with Ruturaj Gaikwad named as his deputy.
Bumrah’s return to cricket comes after a back surgery he underwent in March this year, leading to an extensive period of rehabilitation at the NCA. Earlier this year, he attempted a comeback during the ODI series against Sri Lanka in January but was withdrawn on the eve of the series opener in Guwahati.
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The BCCI explained that Bumrah needed to build bowling resilience, emphasizing that the decision was a precautionary measure. Furthermore, Prasidh Krishna has also secured a spot in the squad. The right-arm quick had last played for India in an ODI against Zimbabwe in August of the previous year before undergoing surgery for a stress fracture. With these valuable additions, the Indian team is gearing up with full force for the much-awaited Asia Cup 2023.
