The situation in and around KL Rahul’s availability will most likely be determined by the weekend or early next week, when the Indian batsman is slated to play in a practise game in Bengaluru. There’s even a chance he’ll play in a couple of matches before making a final determination on his readiness for an international comeback.
Rahul isn’t fully fit right now. Despite various reports and hints to the contrary, the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru has not yet formally communicated the all-clear to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the national selection committee.
Update on KL Rahul’s fitness ahead of Asia Cup#AsiaCup2023pic.twitter.com/Drdw24MtxC
— Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) August 8, 2023
However, this does not necessarily imply that he will not be cleared by the time the selection committee meets, whether later this week or next. The NCA specialists’ evaluation of how well he copes with the responsibilities of batting and wicket-keeping will be critical to his return.
Images and videos circulating on social media imply that he is up to the task. Those who have interacted with him during continuing Level 3 coaching sessions at the NCA—a few external specialists have visited the academy to meet with the 15 applicants competing for qualification, most of whom are former players—said he appeared to be in good shape and form.
Practice game (on Sunday or Monday ) scheduled to decide on KL Rahul’s fitness, availability for Asia Cup 2023..#klrahul #AsiaCup2023 pic.twitter.com/s34LbDrPB2
— Tamil Cricket Update (@tamilcricup96) August 9, 2023
Individuals close to him have also claimed that Rahul, who had thigh surgery in May owing to a ligament tear sustained during an IPL match, has been able to maintain approximately 85 percent of the required exertion. This percentage is essential since the remaining 15% must be shown in a live match setting. Players are usually not allowed to engage in practise games until they have hit the 85 percent mark. Furthermore, the NCA has a policy of not issuing an all-clear unless a player participates in a match and returns unhurt. The question of whether the regulation was followed in the case of Jasprit Bumrah is relevant, but the bowler in question is a separate matter.
Returning to Rahul, it has been learned that the selectors will respect Rahul’s expertise in the Asia Cup, given the recent performances of Indian batsmen in white-ball cricket. He’s been a seasoned combatant in international cricket for nearly ten years and is being eyed for the competition from August 30 to September 17, as well as the ensuing World Cup in October and November. According to sources, he must demonstrate full fitness in both batting and wicket-keeping during a 50-over game before being considered for selection. His body’s reaction the next day will also play a role.
Other selection quandaries
Apart from Rahul, the selectors confront a number of other quandaries. When Ajit Agarkar and company meet, the mission will not be easy. Some players will have to be cut, not because of a lack of ability but due to space limits on a 15-man team.
The projected roster will have seven specialist batsmen, seven specialist bowlers, and one all-rounder, Hardik Pandya. The current plan includes four fast bowlers and three spinners among the seven bowlers. However, Shardul Thakur, the all-rounder who has done admirably, may find himself out of a position.
Choosing Thakur would necessitate the exclusion of one specialist pacer, suggesting that one of Arshdeep Singh, Mukesh Kumar, Prasidh Krishna, or Jaydev Unadkat would have to be ruled out. Unless something unforeseen happens during the forthcoming three-match T20I series in Ireland later this month, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, and Jasprit Bumrah are the automatic pacers. Axar Patel and Yuzvendra Chahal are competing for the third spinner’s position, with Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav looking assured. Leaving either of them out will be difficult, but it appears unavoidable.
Batting appears to be a bigger worry than bowling, which adds to the anticipation for Rahul’s return. Except for Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill, who are practically likely selections, no other batter appears to inspire confidence. Ishan Kishan might be added to this list, but Sanju Samson has failed to live up to expectations in ODIs. Suryakumar Yadav, despite his dynamism, has struggled in the 50-over format, according to him. While Tilak Varma has shown promise in international cricket, others argue that rushing him into One-Day Internationals is premature. In essence, Agarkar and company will have a plethora of bowling options but limited batting options.