Wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul will miss India’s first two Asia Cup matches as he continues to get well from a slight health challenge, says head coach Rahul Dravid.
Rahul has not performed aggressive cricket since May however was picked for the Asia Cup after recovering from a thigh damage that had saved him out of motion.
The 31-year-old then suffered a health challenge that was not linked to his authentic damage throughout his rehabilitation on the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.
“KL has had a good week with us, playing well, progressing really well but he will be unavailable for the first part for the Kandy leg of the trip,” Dravid informed reporters.
“The NCA will be looking after him for the next few days while we are travelling. Signs are looking good, and he’s progressing really well.
“We’ll assess him on the fourth (of September) and we’ll take it from there.”
In Rahul’s absence, Ishan Kishan is set to don the wicketkeeper’s gloves in India’s opener against Pakistan on Saturday and against Nepal two days later.
India have another wicketkeeping option in Sanju Samson, who will travel with the side as a reserve player.
The Asia Cup gets underway on Wednesday with co-hosts Pakistan taking on Nepal in Multan.
India have refused to tour Pakistan due to the soured political relations between the neighbours and can play their matches in Sri Lanka as an alternative.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
