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Team India head coach Rahul Dravid has confirmed that star wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul will not be participating in the opening two games of the Asia Cup 2023. The news not only comes as a major setback for the Indian cricket team but also for many cricket enthusiasts across the nation.
The Asia Cup is set to begin on August 30 and will commence with an exciting match between Pakistan and Nepal. Meanwhile, India will start their campaign in the continental event in a highly anticipated clash against the tournament’s co-host, Pakistan.
KL Rahul set to miss first two games of Asia Cup 2023
Although team India is all set for the challenge, unfortunately they will be missing the services of their talented wicketkeeper batter Rahul for the first two games due to his ongoing recovery from a recent niggle. Dravid confirmed the same as he addressed the media in a press conference to provide insights into Rahul’s situation and informed that Rahul will continue to be under the watchful eye of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) until September 4.
“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 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,” he added.
Rahul Dravid hints at Shreyas Iyer’s impressive form
While the absence of Rahul is a blow to Team India, Dravid also took the time to share a piece of positive news and lauded Shreyas Iyer‘s dedication and performance during practice sessions, hinting at Iyer’s impressive form.
“Shreyas Iyer has ticked all the boxes in the practice session. We’ll give him game time in the Asia Cup,” Dravid told the reporters.
It is worth mentioning that the teams participating in Asia Cup 2023 will be divided into two groups, battling it out to secure a spot in the Super 4 stage. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super 4, leading up to the final between the two table toppers on September 17 in Colombo.
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