IPL 2024: KL Rahul doubtful to keep wickets in RCB vs LSG clash on Tuesday

KL Rahul kept wickets in only the first match of IPL 2024 that LSG played.

KL Rahul might continue to play as an impact substitute in the ongoing IPL 2024 as his franchise Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) is keeping a close eye on his recovery post the quadriceps injury return. Rahul kept wickets in the first match for LSG but was used as an impact sub in the second match.

Nicholas Pooran captained the side in LSG’s match against Punjab Kings, with the LSG management keen on “easing him back” from injury.

KL Rahul had suffered a quad injury in the first test against England and went on to miss the rest of the four matches as India won the series 4-1. Rahul had pulled up with the same injury – against RCB, incidentally – during IPL 2023, and had to undergo surgery followed by lengthy rehabilitation. This is his return tournament.

LSG have one win and one loss in two games, with Rahul scoring 58 (in 44 balls) against Rajasthan Royals and 15 (in nine balls) against Punjab Kings. He took keeping gloves only in the first game before handing over the duties to Quinton de Kock in the second match.

KL Rahul skips wicket-keeping practice at nets, does mobility drills and some batting

Ahead of LKN’s match against RCB, Rahul did not keep wickets over the majority of the training session. He first went through a set of timed sprint and mobility workouts overseen by head coach Justin Langer. Rahul then rehearsed his entire range of body movements, focusing on the sweep, and time and again touched his left hamstring.

Rahul also padded up and took on the team’s net bowlers and throwdown experts. After a 15-minute session, he returned to do a couple more rounds of mobility drills before walking away.

“We’ll see how he goes at training,” stand-in captain Nicholas Pooran was quoted by ESPNCricinfo when asked about Rahul’s availability on Tuesday.

“It’s always tough when you have to change combinations. Obviously, it’s different with KL on the field. However our senior players came together and assisted me in making decisions as well. It’s something that happens. Sometimes when your captain isn’t available, all the senior players stand up, and try and make up for his absence,” Pooran added.

LSG coach Justin Langer said that KL Rahul is a beautiful player and he will not be losing any sleep about his fitness.

“I am not going lose one second’s sleep over KL Rahul. He is a beautiful player, he’s an outstanding player. There’s a reason he’s had so much success for India and I’m blessed to have him in our team, not only as an opening batsman or a batsman and wicketkeeper but also as the captain. He is so calm. He’s a wonderful person,” Langer said.  

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