In a huge boost for Team India a few days ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, KL Rahul returned to field after copping a blow to his elbow while facing Prasidh Krishna on Day 1 of match simulations in Perth.
As per a report by ESPNCricinfo, Rahul batted for an hour in the nets. He had an injury scare on November 15. Overall, he nearly trained for three hours after missing the match simulations. The experienced batter had walked out to bat alongside opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and looked in good form before taking a blow on the elbow.
Rahul's return is a good sign for India considering Shubman Gill fractured his left thumb while fielding on November 16. Gill is likely to miss the series opener and Rahul can take his place at no.3.
Batters opt out of training session after match simulations
At the WACA centre, several Indian batters including Jaiswal, Virat Kohli and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant did not turn out for Sunday's training session. On Day 2 of match simulations, Kohli took a few catches in the slip cordon ruling out any possibility of an injury.
On Day 1 of match simulations, he was dismissed for 15 before he returned to the crease and remained unbeaten for 30. He faced a barrage of short balls from the likes of Prasidh Krishna in order to prepare for the Test against Australia's pace quartet.
After training at the WACA centre, the Indian players will resume their training at the Optus Stadium, Perth. The much-awaited Test series will begin on November 22.
What if Rohit is unavailable for first Test?
While Gill has fractured his finger, there is uncertainty over Indian skipper Rohit Sharma's availability. Rohit and wife Ritika Sajdeh welcomed a baby boy on November 15. It is not clear whether Rohit will take the time off and spend time with his family or board the flight to Australia to lead the side in Perth.
If Rohit does not play the first Test, Jasprit Bumrah will lead India. In his absence, India will be looking for an opener. Abhimanyu Easwaran has not been in the best of forms either in India A's matches against Australia A or the match simulations. Ruturaj Gaikwad may be asked to stay back after he looked comfortable during match simulations and negotiated well with the short balls. The official confirmation on the developments is awaited.
