Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif reckons KL Rahul’s injury is good news for Team India. Rahul was added to India’s 17-man Asia Cup squad by Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel despite the fact he was carrying a niggle. However, he has fully recovered from a thigh injury that he had suffered while playing in IPL 2023 for Lucknow Super Giants.

India’s head coach Rahul Dravid then confirmed that the wicket-keeper bat will miss the two group stage matches against Pakistan and Nepal because of the niggle.

Kaif reckons Rahul’s injury can also aggravate while playing in the Asia Cup and there is no guarantee if he is going to be fit for the Super Four stage.

Rahul has scored 1986 runs in 54 ODI matches at an average of 45.14. The 31-year-old right-hander has done a fantastic job while batting at number five for the national team, scoring 742 runs in 18 ODIs at an average of 53 and a strike rate of 99.33 while batting at that position.

In Rahul’s absence, Ishan Kishan is expected to get his chance in the final XI whereas Sanju Samson is the backup wicket-keeper in the squad.

“This means KL Rahul’s injury could aggravate. If he is unfit now, there is no guarantee that he will be fit after two games. The news is not good for Indian fans because Rahul plays very well at No. 5 in ODIs. His stats are very good,” Kaif said on Star Sports.

“He knows how to shift gears, is able to play big shots, and knows how to stabilize innings. You won’t get a replacement even if you play Ishan Kishan. Apart from wicket-keeping, Rahul also provides a finishing touch,” the former India batter added.

India will begin their Asia Cup campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele on September 2.