- By Ankit Bisht
- Thu, 10 Aug 2023 12:17 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
India wicketkeeper batter KL Rahul and one of the contenders for the no. 4 ODI spot will play some practice games in Bengaluru to prove his fitness ahead of the crucial squad selection for the Asia Cup 2023, which begins on August 30.
As per the Cricbuzz report, Rahul will feature in a couple of matches before a final decision is reached regarding his readiness for an international comeback.
The right-handed batter underwent thigh surgery in May due to a ligament tear sustained during an IPL match. Since then the player has recovered well and eyeing a comeback.
In the official communication shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) last month, the board informed that Rahul "resumed batting in the nets and is currently undergoing strength and fitness drills".
As per the report, Rahul is yet to gain 100 per cent fitness but he has been able to manage about 85 percent of the required workload.
BCCI and the national selection committee have not yet received official all-clear confirmation on Rahul from the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. However, the middle-order batter has quite a few days time to get the clearance from NCA as the squad selection for the Asia Cup is expected to be announced next week.
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With a selection dilemma over the no. 4 ODI spot, Rahul's comeback will surely fill the void left in India's playing 11 due to injuries to core batters including Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant.
Jasprit Bumrah is also returning to the Indian team in Ireland tour after a long gap of 11 months due to a back injury.
India team is currently playing the T20I series after which Bumrah-led side will travel to Ireland to play three T20Is, starting from August 18.
India will take on Pakistan in their opening fixture of the Asia Cup 2023 at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy, Sri Lanka on September 2.