“Absolutely gutted that I won’t be at the Oval next month,” KL Rahul confirms his absence from WTC Final, to undergo thigh surgery

KL Rahul not being available for the WTC Final affects India’s chances against a full-strength Australian side in many ways.

“Absolutely gutted that I won’t be at the Oval next month,” KL Rahul confirms his absence from WTC Final, to undergo thigh surgery

In what comes as a major blow for Team India ahead of their mega clash with Australia at the World Test Championship Final, KL Rahul has confirmed his absence as the wicketkeeper is set to undergo thigh surgery. Rahul suffered an injury to his right thigh during an IPL 2023 match against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) skipper pulled his hamstring while trying to save a boundary. 

Rahul walked off the field at that time but came back to bat. However, the LSG skipper missed the next match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and now stands ruled out of the tournament. While Rahul missing IPL 2023 looked inevitable, Indian cricket team fans were hoping for the wicketkeeper batter to recover in time for the WTC Final. 

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However, all these hopes were crushed on Friday when Rahul confirmed his absence from the mega clash. KL Rahul posted an update about his injury on Instagram and confirmed that he will miss IPL 2023 as well as the WTC Final slated to be played in June. The wicketkeeper batter revealed that he has decided to undergo thigh surgery to be fully fit. 

“After careful consideration and consultation with the medical team, it’s been concluded that I’ll be undergoing a surgery on my thigh shortly. My focus will be on my rehabilitation and recovery in the coming weeks. It’s a tough call to make, but I know it’s the right one to ensure a full recovery,” posted Rahul on Instagram. 

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“As the team captain, it pains me deeply not to be able to be there during this crucial period. But, I’m confident that the boys will rise to the occasion and give their best performance as always. I’ll be cheering for them from the sidelines with all of you, watching every game. @lucknowsupergiants,” Rahul further wrote.

“Absolutely gutted that I won’t be at the Oval next month with Team India. I’ll do everything I can to get back in blue and help my country. That has always been my focus and priority. @indiancricketteam.”

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How Rahul’s absence affects India’s chances?

india no 1 test team

KL Rahul not being available for the WTC Final affects India’s chances against a full-strength Australian side in many ways. While Rahul was being touted to take the wicketkeeping gloves, he was also expected to bat in the middle order. The 31-year-old has a decent record playing in England and hence was expected to play a crucial role against the steaming Australians is swinging conditions.

Now, with him not available, Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid will have a hard time figuring out his ideal replacement.

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