KL Rahul likely to miss WI T20I series: Here's why
India's KL Rahul is set to miss to the T20I series in West Indies. Rahul had tested positive for COVID-19 last week. Although his isolation period ends today, he has been advised rest for one more week by the BCCI's medical professionals. Rahul recently underwent his sports hernia treatment in Germany. India, who won the ODI series, will play five T20Is in the Caribbean.
Why does this story matter?
Rahul has been recovering at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru after undergoing sports hernia surgery in June. As per ESPNcricinfo, he would have missed the West Indies tour even if he returned the two mandatory negative tests. Rahul, who has not played competitive cricket since May this year, will instead focus on the upcoming ODI series in Zimbabwe.
Rishabh Pant had replaced Rahul as captain
In May, Rahul was named the captain of India's second-string T20I side for the South Africa home series. However, Rishabh Pant, who was named Rahul's deputy, got a promotion after the injury ruled Rahul out. Notably, Rahul led the ODI side in South Africa earlier this year in the absence of Rohit Sharma. The former has been out with a groin injury ever since.
Rahul shone in IPL 2022
The halt has been untimely for Rahul, who is in the form of his life. Rahul slammed 616 runs in the 2022 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, the third successive season where he touched the 600-run mark. He led Lucknow Super Giants to the playoffs in their maiden season. Rahul smacked six 50-plus totals in the season, including his fourth IPL ton.
Rahul last played a T20I in November 2021
Earlier this year, Rahul was ruled out of the West Indies T20I series at home. He had sustained an upper left hamstring strain while fielding in the second ODI against the Caribbeans. Notably, Rahul last played a T20I in November 2021 (vs New Zealand).
Rohit Sharma to lead in T20I series
Rohit Sharma will lead India in the T20I series in the West Indies. A look at the squad: Rohit Sharma (captain), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Deepak Hooda, Shreyas Iyer, Dinesh Karthik, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja (subject to fitness), Axar Patel, R Ashwin, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav (subject to fitness), Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Avesh Khan, Harshal Patel, Arshdeep Singh.
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