Comeback man KL Rahul has batted in the nets alongside Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, and Shreyas Iyer to prepare himself for the continental event starting on August 30. The Indian wicket-keeper batter is likely to miss the first game against Pakistan due to a niggle.
India has kick-started their preparations for the Asia Cup 2023, with a preparatory camp in Alur Bangalore, where India has gathered full strength to get the team fully prepared for the high-octane event in Sri Lanka. KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer are coming into the team after a long-standing injury and their form and fitness will be crucial for the team’s success in the Asia Cup.
Earlier, Indian Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar confirmed that KL Rahul has suffered a niggle unrelated to his thigh injury, and it was said that the wicket-keeper batter is likely to miss out few games in the Asia Cup, as Sanju Samson is picked up as a back-up option in the team for the marquee event.
According to reports, KL Rahul batted a one-long hour in the practice session and almost looked comfortable against the high-quality bowling attack on Day 2 of the training session, as he ran well between the wickets which is a good sign for the Men in Blue going forward.
Asia Cup 2023 | Watch Team India’s Training Camp LIVE https://t.co/7rmJH2GrbS
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) August 25, 2023
In the ODI format, KL Rahul’s batting has helped the Indian team to play four frontline batters at the top of the orders as he plays the role of the finisher alongside Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja in the lower order down the order.
Indian players Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, Sanju Samson, and Tilak Varma are set to join the team after the team following completion of the three-match Ireland series and they will join the practice session in the next few days to get themselves ready for the Asia Cup 2023.
India has roped in high-quality net bowlers like Kuldeep Sen, Umran Malik, Sai Kishore, Rahul Chahar, and Yash Dayal for the camp to help the Indian batters prepare for the high-octane event and it was reported that there were around 15 bowlers in the camp to help them the team for the Asia Cup 2023.
Indian wicket-keeper Ishan Kishan was seen taking wicket-keeping drills alongside the Indian fielding coach, as he is likely to take up the wicket-keeping duty for the Indian team in the absence of KL Rahul. The 25-year-old will bring in left-right combination to the team at the top of the order and can be crucial for the team’s chance in the Asia Cup.