KL Rahul to miss India’s opening two Asia Cup games due to niggle

Wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul has been ruled out of the first two matches of the upcoming Asia Cup due to a “niggle,” which has delayed his much-anticipated return to the Indian team.

According to India head coach Rahul Dravid, the niggle is not related to the thigh injury that kept him sidelined for months.

Rahul had been named in the Indian squad for the tournament, which is set to start on Wednesday.

“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 said at the pre-departure presser.

The coach mentioned that Rahul would remain at the NCA, and a decision regarding his participation in the tournament would be made on September 4.

“The NCA will be looking after him for the next few days while we are travelling. We will reassess on the 4th (September) and take it from there. But signs are looking good. He will be unavailable for the first two games,” Dravid added.

India’s first match of the tournament will be against Pakistan on September 2, followed by a match with Nepal on September 4.