India’s hopes for a strong start in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series have been jolted by injury scares to key players KL Rahul and Virat Kohli. It all happened during a match simulation just days ahead of the first Test against Australia in Perth starting November 22. During an intense session at Perth's WACA ground on Friday, Rahul sustained a worrying blow to his right elbow.
The injury occurred when pacer Prasidh Krishna delivered a steep, rising ball that struck Rahul’s elbow, forcing him to consult with the team physio and eventually leave the field for scans. His participation in the opening Test now hangs in the balance.
Rahul, who scored 29 before the injury, is a potential choice to open the innings if skipper Rohit Sharma misses the match. Rohit’s availability remains uncertain, which makes Rahul’s fitness even more crucial for India’s lineup. However, the BCCI has yet to confirm the severity of his injury, with an official saying it would “take some time to assess” the extent of the damage.
The injury is particularly untimely for the 32-year-old, who has been seeking a comeback after being excluded from India’s starting XI in recent matches. Rahul’s last Test century came in December 2023 against South Africa, and despite a challenging period with limited big scores, his experience and past performances are invaluable assets for India in Australia.
Virat Kohli raises eyebrows!
Adding to India’s concerns, star batsman Virat Kohli underwent scans on Thursday for an undisclosed issue. While the BCCI reassured that there are “no concerns” regarding Kohli’s condition, the uncertainty surrounding his form remains. Kohli, who managed 15 runs in the simulation before being dismissed, has struggled to regain his best Test form.
His last hundred came against the West Indies in July 2023, and since then, he has only recorded two fifties across 14 innings, averaging a modest 31.68 in his last 60 innings. His 2024 Test average stands at a mere 22.72, which underscores the struggles of India’s former captain. Despite these numbers, Indian team management will be hopeful that both Kohli and Rahul remain fit for the upcoming showdown.