The inclusion of wicket-keeper batter Ishan Kishan as a direct replacement for the injured KL Rahul and the addition of three standby players provides India with added flexibility at selection heading into next month's ICC World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval.
KL Rahul suffered an injury to his right upper thigh while fielding during Match 43rd of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore on May 1. After consultations with specialists, it has been decided that Rahul will undergo surgery at
KL Rahul's injury is a big blow for India, as his presence meant he could open the batting, play in the middle order and do wicket-keeping sometimes if needed.
He has been selected to the Indian squad for the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia which will be held at England from June 7 onwards, considering his form in IPL and first class cricket.
"Update - After careful consideration and consultation with the medical team, it's been concluded that I'll be undergoing a surgery on my thigh shortly. My focus will be on my rehabilitation and recovery in the coming weeks. It's a tough call to make, but I know it's the right one to ensu
The powerful Aussies qualified for next month's World Test Championship final in first place on the back of a strong home record and will look to take that momentum into the meeting with India, and the five-match series against England that follows.
KL Rahul pulled up in the field in Lucknow Super Giants' match with Royal Challengers Bangalore on May 1, quickly clutching at his thigh and then limping from the field.
The Indian Test team leapfrogged the Australian Test team to become the number 1 test nation ahead of their upcoming World Test Championship 2023 final.
Key opening batter KL Rahul and pacer Jaydev Unadkat have sent scares through the national camp with hamstring and shoulder problems respectively, both while on IPL duty.
Cheteshwar Pujara has been in scintillating touch for Sussex already this season, with the prolific right-hander already notching two centuries from three matches to be the leading run-scorer in the second tier of England's County Championship