KL Rahul

Picture Credit: BCCI

It seems KL Rahul’s wait to return to international cricket will be prolonged if recent reports are to be believed. The opening batter who has been named in India’s 15-member squad for the 2022 Asia Cup will have to pass a fitness test if he wants to play in the multi-nation tournament. Notably, Rahul has not played any type of cricket in the last three months.

After leading Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in IPL 2022, Rahul was all set to captain India in the team’s home T20I series against South Africa. However, he was ruled out of the entire series with a groin injury. The 30-year-old then missed the entire England tour as he was sent to Germany to undergo surgery.

Rahul returned to India and started his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). He was recovering well and hence was named in the squad for five T20Is against West Indies. But, with zero luck on his side, Rahul contracted COVID-19 and was ruled out of the tour. He will subsequently miss the Zimbabwe tour. However, as Rahul is recovering well, he has been included in the 15-member squad for the 2022 Asia Cup.

But, as per a PTI report, the 30-year-old will have to pass a fitness test at the NCA then only he can return to action. If Rahul fails to pass this test, he may have to warm the benches once again. Notably, Rahul has not been only named in the Asia Cup squad, he has also been given the responsibility to play Rohit Sharma’s deputy.

Playing in the Asia Cup is really important for Rahul if he is eyeing that flight to Australia which takes off in October. The Asia Cup is being seen as the preparatory tournament for the T20 World Cup and the squad for the biennial event will be decided based on the performances players put in the Asia Cup.