KL Rahul sent to London, casting doubt on his availability for the upcoming test.

The Indian cricket fraternity is abuzz with uncertainty regarding KL Rahul availability for the upcoming Dharamsala Test, scheduled to commence on March 7, as concerns over his fitness persist. Despite being deemed 90 percent fit for the third Test in mid-February, Rahul has not fully recovered from his right quadriceps issue, stemming from last year’s surgery.

Reliable sources indicate that KL Rahul has been sent abroad for an expert opinion and is undergoing treatment, potentially consulting a specialist in London. The persistent stiffness in his quadriceps is causing apprehension among the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), national selectors, and the team management, all of whom are wary of risking his crucial dual role in the team.

As the talismanic batter plays a pivotal role for the side, not only with the bat but also as a keeper-batter in Tests and ODIs, the decision-makers are cautious about his return to action. With India already securing the series against England 3-1, the decision on Rahul’s participation in the Dharamsala Test remains uncertain. The BCCI sources could not confirm Rahul’s return date at the time of filing this report.

Having been rested as a precautionary measure after the first Test in Hyderabad and subsequently missing the second game in Visakhapatnam, Rahul’s expected return for the third Test in Rajkot did not materialize. The BCCI release ahead of the fourth Test stated, “KL Rahul is ruled out of the 4th Test. His participation in the final Test match in Dharamsala is subject to fitness.”

Rahul’s importance to the team, coupled with his potential role in the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup, adds complexity to the decision-making process. The BCCI’s prior statement of his fitness being at 90 percent raises hopes for his participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where his performance may influence his selection for the T20 World Cup. Rahul, the captain of the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL, is expected to play a pivotal role in the middle order and keep wickets.