'Not fully fit' KL Rahul unlikely for final Test against England

NEW DELHI: Senior Indian batsman

KL Rahul

is unlikely to participate in the fifth and

final Test

against

England

in Dharamsala as he continues to experience soreness in his right quadriceps.
Rahul has been sidelined since the series-opener in Hyderabad in January, although the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) stated that he was 90 percent fit before the third Test in Rajkot earlier this month.

Seeking further assessment and treatment for his injury, Rahul has traveled to London. With India already securing the series victory, the team management is opting to err on the side of caution and avoid risking Rahul's participation in the Dharamsala Test, slated to commence on March 7.

Given Rahul's importance across formats, including his upcoming captaincy of the Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and potential selection for the

T20 World Cup

, the decision prioritizes his long-term recovery.
"It is more to get an expert opinion (travel to London). He experiences a bit of pain (right quadriceps) while batting. It is to ensure that he recovers fully as he is a player that team needs long-term," an IPL source informed PTI.

"There is so much competition coming his way -- IPL, he could also be in the T20 World Cup mix. Then we have some important Test series against New Zealand, and Australia later in the year. So, it is better to give him time to recover properly than rushing him," the source added.

Rahul's current injury recurrence mirrors the

quadriceps issue

that sidelined him for nearly four months last year, stemming from his participation in the IPL.
Despite his absence from the final Test, Rahul's stellar performances, particularly during the recent Test tour of South Africa where he was India's sole century-maker, underscore his significance to the team.

In Rahul's absence, Rajat Patidar remains with the squad, although his place in the playing eleven remains uncertain due to modest performances, accumulating only 63 runs in six innings. Speculation suggests that Devdutt Padikkal may replace him in Dharamsala.
In more optimistic news for India, premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah, rested for the Ranchi Test, is expected to lead the bowling attack in Dharamsala. With every Test match offering vital World Test Championship points, Bumrah's return could be pivotal, as India currently rank second in the standings behind New Zealand.

(With inputs from PTI)