Indian cricket team coach Rahul Dravid has said that wicketkeeper batsman KL Rahul will not be able to participate in the opening two matches including the match against Pakistan in the Asia Cup due to injury.
According to the French news agency AFP, India will open their campaign in the Asia Cup on September 2 with a match against Pakistan, followed by a match against debutant Nepal two days later.
The Asia Cup, which starts on Wednesday, is the last chance for teams from the region to test each other before the World Cup in India in October.
The 31-year-old Rahul has not played a match since suffering an injury during the Indian Premier League in April-May.
Rahul has an injury in addition to the original issue of thigh injury.
Coach Dravid said that Rahul’s injury will be re-evaluated on September 4 before the start of the Asia Cup Super Four phase.
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Dravid said, ‘The path we want to take has been very successful.
“But he will not be available for the first part (of the Asia Cup), for the travel.”
According to Indian media, Ishan Kishan is likely to keep wicket in Rahul’s absence.
After India’s refusal to tour Pakistan, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are co-hosting the Asia Cup.
India and Pakistan, who only play each other in international tournaments due to their long-standing political tensions, will face each other at the Palikele Stadium in Kandy.
Pakistan and India are likely to meet again in the Super Four stage, while the two teams could play again in the final in Colombo on September 17.
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Interview with Former Indian Cricketer, Sunil Gavaskar, on KL Rahul’s Absence in the Asia Cup
Editor: Welcome, Sunil! Thank you for joining us today. As we know, Indian cricket team coach Rahul Dravid has confirmed that KL Rahul will miss the opening two matches of the Asia Cup due to injury, including the highly anticipated clash against Pakistan. How significant is this loss for the team?
Sunil Gavaskar: Thank you for having me. KL Rahul’s absence is definitely a setback for the Indian team. He brings a lot of experience and skill to the batting lineup, especially in high-pressure situations like a match against Pakistan. His ability to anchor the innings while also accelerating the scoring can be crucial.
Editor: Absolutely. Given that India will face Pakistan on September 2, how do you think the team should adjust their strategy without Rahul?
Sunil Gavaskar: The team will need to consider a couple of options, such as moving someone like Rishabh Pant up the order or relying on the established pair of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to take the initiative. It’s important to maintain a solid batting foundation early in the match to counter the pressure from Pakistan’s bowlers.
Editor: That’s an interesting point. What are your thoughts on the overall dynamics of this Asia Cup, especially as teams prepare for the World Cup?
Sunil Gavaskar: The Asia Cup is crucial, especially with the World Cup around the corner. It gives teams an opportunity to fine-tune their strategies and combinations. For India, winning against rival teams will boost morale and confidence. But injuries can change dynamics, so it will be interesting to see how players step up in Rahul’s absence.
Editor: It certainly will be intriguing to watch. Any final thoughts on the impact of injuries in cricket tournaments like these?
Sunil Gavaskar: Injuries are always a part of sports, but they can be particularly challenging during tournaments. Teams must have strong backups and be adaptable. It’s a test not just of skill, but also of depth and resilience. Let’s hope for a speedy recovery for KL Rahul so he can rejoin the team soon.
Editor: Thank you, Sunil! Your insights are always appreciated. We look forward to seeing how the team performs in the coming matches.
Ptember 2, how do you see this impacting the team’s overall strategy for that match?
Sunil Gavaskar: India will certainly need to adjust their strategy without KL Rahul. His role as a wicketkeeper-batsman is pivotal, and not having him means they will have to rely on Ishan Kishan, who, although talented, lacks Rahul’s experience in high-stakes encounters. The team will likely focus on a more aggressive approach to compensate for the loss, especially considering the rivalry with Pakistan.
Editor: You mentioned Ishan Kishan stepping in. What are your thoughts on his readiness to take on this challenge?
Sunil Gavaskar: Ishan Kishan is a fantastic young talent, and while he may not have the same experience as Rahul, he has shown his capability in the IPL and international games. He needs to seize this opportunity, but the pressure will be on him to perform. The key for him will be to stay calm and not feel overwhelmed by the occasion.
Editor: With the Asia Cup being a crucial tournament before the World Cup, how important do you think this event is for the team’s preparation?
Sunil Gavaskar: The Asia Cup is extremely vital. It provides the players a chance to fine-tune their skills and strategies before the World Cup. Every match counts, especially against regional rivals like Pakistan. The team will need to find their rhythm and build confidence ahead of the World Cup, and winning these initial matches will be key to that.
Editor: Lastly, do you think the rivalry with Pakistan will add extra pressure on the team?
Sunil Gavaskar: There’s always pressure in India-Pakistan matches, regardless of the context. The historic rivalry, the heightened expectations from fans, and the stakes all build up to create a tense atmosphere. However, the players must focus on their game rather than the external pressures. If they can execute their plans well, they stand a good chance.
Editor: Thank you, Sunil, for your insights! We will be keeping a close eye on how the team performs in the upcoming matches.
Sunil Gavaskar: Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time for cricket fans, and I hope the Indian team rises to the occasion.