BCCI announces KL Rahul's replacement for the ICC WTC final vs Australia

KL Rahul, who was a part of India's squad for the ICC WTC final, has been ruled out of the summit clash.

Wicketkeeper batter Ishan Kishan has replaced the injured KL Rahul in India’s squad for the World Test Championship final. The WTC 2023 final will be played from 7th June at The Oval in London. India will take on one of their arch-rivals Australia in the big game. Earlier BCCI selectors picked KL Rahul and Shubhman Gill as openers along with captain Rohit Sharma in the 15-member squad, but Rahul’s injury has forced selectors to make a change. They have picked Ishan Kishan as KL Rahul’s replacement. Ishan Kishan is yet to make test debut for India. Kishan had performed well in limited-overs cricket in international cricket. 

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KL Rahul to undergo surgery

Opener KL Rahul sustained a hamstring injury against Royal Challengers Bangalore while chasing a boundary. Since then, he made himself ruled out from the remainder of the IPL 2023. With only one month to go, BCCI will not take any chances with Rahul’s fitness and their chances in the game. India lost the ICC WTC final against New Zealand in 2021. After consultation with medical teams, KL Rahul and the board have decided that KL Rahul will undergo surgery and then spend his time at NCA for rehabilitation. Sarfaraz Khan and Hanuma Vihari are still waiting in the line. Vihari had declared himself fit just before the WTC Final. 

Ishan Kishan with red-ball:

Young Ishan Kishan had played 48 games with red-ball in his domestic career. Kishan is known for his aggressive approach and has showcased his talent in the white ball. Kishan, in 48 first-class matches has scored 2985 runs he has batted for 82 innings. Kishan’s average in red-ball cricket is 38.76. His strike rate is pretty impressive, has batted with a 68.90 strike rate. Kishan’s best score is 273 runs, he has smashed 6 centuries and 16 half-centuries in this format. It will be interesting to see if Indian team management gives an opportunity or bench him for the big game. 

Decision on Jaydev and Umesh pending

KL Rahul is not the only player injured before the ICC WTC final. Jaydev Unadkat and Umesh Yadav have also missed games in the IPL 2023 due to injuries. Jaydev Unadkat is currently undergoing rehabilitation at NCA. BCCI is also closely monitoring Umesh Yadav’s progress with KKR management regularly. Decisions on their participation will be taken at later stage of the IPL 2023.