KL Rahul’s fitness update comes as a sigh of relief for Team India amidst mounting injury concerns ahead of the first Test against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. The opener resumed training at the WACA after sustaining a blow to his right elbow during an intra-squad match, putting him back in contention to replace captain Rohit Sharma at the top of the order alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Injury scare during simulation match
India opted for an intra-squad match simulation to prepare for the Australian conditions, focusing heavily on handling short-pitched deliveries. During one such session, a bouncer slipped past KL Rahul’s defenses and struck his elbow. Although he initially continued batting, the pain eventually forced him to leave the field.
Just five days before the Perth Test, Rahul has returned to full-fledged practice, facing deliveries from Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj at full intensity. His recovery progress indicates that he may take the field as India’s opener for the crucial first Test.
Team India’s injury woes
Rahul’s return to fitness is timely, given the team’s growing injury list. Shubman Gill, who was expected to open, is sidelined with a fractured thumb sustained during fielding drills. Although he is likely to recover in time for the second Test in Adelaide, his absence leaves a gap at the top.
Rohit Sharma’s availability remains uncertain as well. The skipper recently welcomed his second child and is yet to confirm his return to the squad. Without the experienced opener, Rahul’s role at the top order becomes even more critical.
Adding to the concerns, Mohammed Shami, initially left out of the squad due to fitness doubts, has played a Ranji Trophy match but is still not deemed match-fit for the grueling Australian conditions.
A tricky start to the BGT
India’s squad depth will be tested as they prepare to face a formidable Australian side in their backyard. While Jasprit Bumrah, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja bring valuable experience, the team’s batting lineup, especially the opening pair, will need to find stability amidst the chaos.
India’s squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25:
Main squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Jasprit Bumrah (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (wk), Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar.
Reserves: Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini, Khaleel Ahmed.
As India grapples with injuries and uncertainties, KL Rahul’s timely recovery brings hope for a solid start to the series. However, with limited time for preparation, his performance at the top will be under the spotlight when the action unfolds in Perth on November 22.