Sports Desk: India wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul has been ruled out of the first two matches of the upcoming Asia Cup, which begins in Multan on Wednesday. India head coach Rahul Dravid on Tuesday announced that the 31-year-old batsman, who was included in the squad after recovering from injury, will not be available for the first two matches against Pakistan and Nepal. Earlier, during the announcement of the team, BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar told the media that Rahul had a slight problem.
Dravid said, ‘KL has had a good week with us, playing well, making really good progress, but he will not be available for the first part of the Kandy phase tour.’ The coach said that Rahul will stay with the NCA and a decision on his participation in the tournament will be taken on September 4. “The NCA will look after him for the next few days while we are travelling,” Dravid said. We’ll re-evaluate on September 4th and take it from there. But the signs are looking good. He will not be available for the first two matches.
update
KL Rahul is progressing really well but will not be available for India’s first two matches – against Pakistan and Nepal – of the #AsiaCup2023: Head Coach Rahul Dravid#TeamIndia
— BCCI (@BCCI) August 29, 2023
It may be noted that the first match of the Asia Cup will be played between co-hosts Pakistan and Nepal in Multan on Wednesday. On the other hand, Team India will start its campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan in Kandy on 2 September.