After ruling out of IPL, KL Rahul’s likely to miss WTC Final as well

KL Rahul’s chances of participating in the World Test Championship final have been jeopardized due to a leg injury sustained during an Indian Premier League (IPL) match.

While playing for Lucknow Super Giants against Royal Challengers Bangalore on May 1, Rahul experienced discomfort in his thigh and had to leave the field.

The wicketkeeper-batter has since left the IPL camp and gone to Mumbai for scans under the supervision of the national team, as reported by Cricbuzz.

These scans will likely determine his ability to play in the World Test Championship final at The Oval, starting on June 7. Rahul has been in excellent form during the IPL, scoring 274 runs with an average of 34.25, and has previously demonstrated his prowess in England conditions with two Test centuries.

India’s preparations have been further complicated by another injury, as Jaydev Unadkat was also ruled out of the IPL following a bizarre training incident while playing for Lucknow Super Giants. Unadkat tripped on a wire during a net session, injuring his left shoulder.

Although his prognosis is more optimistic and he is expected to be considered for the WTC final, this incident adds to India’s injury concerns.

The left-arm pacer is among five bowlers named in the squad to face Australia. Jasprit Bumrah (back) was ruled out after undergoing surgery in New Zealand earlier this year.

Rahul’s injury exacerbates the batting side’s injury issues and could lead to a strategic shift for India in the WTC final.

With Shreyas Iyer and first-choice wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant already unavailable, Ajinkya Rahane could potentially make his first Test appearance in over a year if Rahul is unfit to participate.

Shubman Gill is anticipated to join captain Rohit Sharma at the top of the order, followed by Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli at No.3 and No.4. Rahane may be considered as an option for the No.5 position.

India WTC squad

Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, K L Rahul, KS Bharat (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Mohammad Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat.