‘Ishan Kishan se bohot khush hai hum’ – Fans react as photos of KL Rahul starting wicketkeeping practice surface

Star India batter KL Rahul picked up a thigh injury while fielding in the Indian Premier League (IPL) match against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at Lucknow’s Ekana Sports City Stadium. Notably, Rahul was leading the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the IPL 2023. Following his thigh injury, he missed the remainder of the IPL with Krunal Pandya assuming captaincy. He led LSG to yet another Playoff qualification but crashed out against the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the eliminator.

Rahul underwent surgery in London, UK. After returning, he enrolled in the intensive recovery rehab program at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. There have been reports of his recovery process going well. Photos of him starting batting at the nets went viral earlier. Now, photos of him doing wicketkeeping drills have surfaced online. It is expected that the wicketkeeper batter will make his return in the Asia Cup ODI 2023. He is expected to be an integral part of Team India’s 2023 ODI World Cup campaign.

Ishan Kishan could pose challenges in KL Rahul’s return

KL Rahul recently took some time off from his intensive recovery. On the weekend of July 29 and 30, Rahul was seen indulging in various recreational activities with his friends. These activities included boating, Archery, Go-karting, paintball fighting, zip-lining, and box cricket.

It is indeed great news that KL Rahul is recovering timely. However, Ishan Kishan has performed admirably in the wicketkeeper batter’s role in the current tour of the West Indies. He has been opening the batting for team India and has scored four back-to-back half-centuries in his last four outings for India which includes the three ODIs and the second Test on the tour of West Indies. Therefore, if KL Rahul’s way back to the team will be straightforward is yet a mystery.

Talking of other players in the NCA, Jasprit Bumrah has been reported to make his comeback in August’s India tour of Ireland. Shreyas Iyer has also shown positive results and has started batting in the nets. He is also considered for the upcoming Asia Cup. Last but not least, Rishabh Pant will still need a few days before making his return to Team India.

Here’s how fans reacted:

https://twitter.com/Vedant20000/status/1686653639690240001