The circumstances involving KL When the Indian batsman is slated to participate in a practice match in Bengaluru this weekend or early next week, Rahul’s availability will likely become clearer. There is even the possibility that he will play in a few matches before a definitive determination is made regarding his fitness for an international return.
Currently, it can be asserted that Rahul is not at 100 percent physical fitness. Despite some reports and indications to the contrary, the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru has not yet formally communicated the all-clear to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the national selection committee.
However, this does not necessarily imply that he will not receive clearance by the time the meeting of the selection committee occurs, whether later this week or next week. The key to his return is the NCA experts’ evaluation of his ability to handle the demands of batting and wicket-keeping.
Images and recordings circulating on social media indicate he is capable of managing the workload, a sentiment shared by NCA employees. They report that he appears in excellent condition.
Rahul, who underwent thigh surgery in May due to a ligament rupture sustained during an IPL match, has been able to manage approximately 85 percent of the requisite workload, according to those close to him. This number is significant because the remaining 15% must be demonstrated in a real-life match scenario. Typically, athletes are not permitted to participate in practice games until they have achieved 85 percent. In addition, the NCA does not give the all-clear unless a participant participates in a game and returns unharmed. The question of whether the rule was obeyed in the case of Jasprit Bumrah may be relevant, but the bowler in question is a distinct matter.
Given the recent performances of the Indian batsmen in white-ball cricket, it is believed that the selectors will value Rahul’s experience in the Asia Cup. Having played international cricket for nearly a decade, he is being considered for the tournament from August 30 to September 17, as well as the World Cup in October and November. Before being considered for selection, sources indicate that he must demonstrate full endurance in both batting and wicket-keeping during a 50-over game. His body’s reaction the following day will also be a factor.
Other selection dilemmas
Other than Rahul, the selectors confront a number of dilemmas. When Ajit Agarkar and co. meet, the mission will not be simple. Space limitations in a 15-person squad will necessitate the omission of a few individuals, not necessarily due to their lack of ability.
Seven specialist batsmen, seven specialist bowlers, and one all-rounder, Hardik Pandya, will comprise the proposed squad composition. The present concept incorporates four fast bowlers and three spinners among the seven bowlers. This, however, left no space for Shardul Thakur, an all-rounder who has performed admirably to maintain his position.
Thakur’s selection would necessitate the omission of one specialist pacer, meaning Arshdeep Singh, Mukesh Kumar, Prasidh Krishna, or Jaydev Unadkat would have to be omitted, which is possible. Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, and Jasprit Bumrah would be the automatic inclusions among the pace bowlers, barring any unforeseen occurrences during the forthcoming three Twenty20 Internationals in Ireland later this month. Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav appear assured, whereas Axar Patel and Yuzvendra Chahal vie for the third spinner’s position. Leaving out one of them will be a difficult decision, but it appears unavoidable.
Batting appears to be a greater concern than bowling, which contributes to the anticipation for Rahul’s return. Other than the almost certain selections of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill, no other batsman inspires confidence. Ishan Kishan could be added to this list, but Sanju Samson’s performance in ODIs has not met expectations. Suryakumar Yadav, in his own terms, has struggled in the 50-over format despite his dynamism. While Tilak Varma has demonstrated promise in international cricket, some believe that he should not be rushed into ODIs. In essence, Agarkar and company will have an abundance of bowling options but fewer batting options.
