The Lucknow Super Giants captain has already left the franchise camp after the IPL 2023 season. The India wicketkeeper-batsman is reportedly in Mumbai for scans, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken over his case, as per reports on May 3.
Rahul’s participation in the World Test Championship (WTC) final in London early next month will depend on the scan results. As of Thursday night, the National Cricket Academy (NCA) team, which oversees his treatment, had not notified anyone, including the team management, although those in the know are not overly optimistic. Rahul will likely also be eliminated from the WTC final. Rahul’s injury’s nature has only been a subject of conjecture because neither the LSG management nor the BCCI has released an official declaration. He may have a hamstring or hip issue, according to reports. Rahul had hernia surgery a little over ten months ago, and it is understood that all relevant variables are being taken into account.
The LSG management has not decided whether Rahul will be replaced. They have just four league games remaining to play this season, and if they make the playoffs, there might be even fewer. Rahul has already been replaced as captain by Krunal Pandya. Despite being disqualified from the IPL, Jaydev Unadkat’s status with the WTC is still somewhat unclear. Once the clarity is known, the BCCI may designate replacement(s). But choosing a replacement for Rahul will be obvious. Ishan Kishan, who was recently a member of the Indian team, could serve as the second wicketkeeper for the one-off Test. The Unadkat scenario is still unclear, as was already mentioned.
According to information in the meantime, the Indian squad would depart for London for the WTC final as soon as the IPL league stage concludes on May 21, most likely on May 23. At a later time, the players that participated in the IPL playoffs will go for the UK.
