Amid deliberations among the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), national selectors, and team management about resting additional players for the final match of the series, uncertainty looms over KL Rahul’s availability for the Dharamsala Test scheduled on March 7.
According to reliable sources from Cricpulse, Rahul, who was considered 90 percent fit for the third Test in Rajkot in mid-February, has not fully recuperated.
Consequently, the BCCI and National Cricket Academy (NCA) officials have initiated a reassessment of his condition.
Rahul has been dispatched abroad for expert consultation and has been undergoing treatment for nearly a week.
Although not confirmed, there are indications that he might be consulting a specialist in London.
Rahul’s issue arises from discomfort in his right quadriceps, which had undergone surgery last year.
Some stiffness persists, and given his pivotal role in the team and his multifaceted contributions, the BCCI, selectors, and team management are understandably hesitant to take any chances with his fitness.
The ambiguity surrounding Rahul’s availability for the Dharamsala match persists.
Any decision regarding his inclusion may be influenced by India’s already secured series victory against England, currently standing at 3-1.
At the time of reporting, BCCI sources could not ascertain Rahul’s return date, potentially from London.
After sitting out the second Test in Visakhapatnam as a precautionary measure following the Hyderabad Test, Rahul’s anticipated return for the third Test in Rajkot did not materialize as hoped.
Ahead of the fourth Test, a BCCI release had indicated, “KL Rahul is ruled out of the 4th Test.
His participation in the final Test match in Dharamsala is subject to fitness.”
Recognized as a vital asset for the team, Rahul is receiving utmost care from the management.
Presently, he participates solely in Tests and ODIs as a keeper-batter, with a potential recall for T20Is under consideration.
Additionally, he is viewed as a pivotal figure for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy later this year.
Given the BCCI’s previous assessment of his fitness at 90 percent, Rahul’s participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL) appears highly likely.
His performance in the league will be closely monitored, potentially influencing his selection for the Twenty20 World Cup.
As captain of the Lucknow Super Giants, he is expected to play in the middle order and handle wicketkeeping duties, despite primarily opening for the side thus far.
Meanwhile, it is almost certain that Jasprit Bumrah, rested for the Ranchi Test, will make a comeback for the Dharamsala game.
However, discussions are ongoing regarding the potential resting of additional players to manage their workload, possibly including both a batter and a bowler.
Players from both India and England, dispersing after the fourth Test in Ranchi, have been directed to convene in Chandigarh on March 2.
They will then fly to Dharamsala via a chartered flight on March 3.
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