Could’ve come back much before Asia Cup: KL Rahul after joining the team

India’s wicket-keeper bat KL Rahul has revealed he could have come back into the team much before the ongoing Asia Cup had he not suffered a niggle. As Rahul was nearing full fitness, he suffered a niggle during his recovery, which pushed his come back.

Rahul was picked for the Asia Cup squad but it was made clear by the selectors that he is going to miss the group stage matches against Pakistan and Nepal. The Karnataka batter is now available for selection after regaining full fitness ahead of the big clash against Pakistan.

“Unfortunately, in the recovery process, I developed a small niggle just before I could come back into the team, which was a big downer. I was actually I ahead a schedule, and I felt like I could come back much before the Asia Cup and give myself a lot of time and prepare myself really well,” said Rahul in a video on BCCI.

Rahul admitted he had to go through ups and downs during his rehab procedure but feels it is part of the process.

“But unfortunately, one more niggle set me back a couple of weeks. So yeah, I went through a bit of ups and downs within the recovery period as well. So that’s part of it. I was ready mentally, so I think that really helped,” Rahul added.

The 31-year-old is delighted to make a comeback into the team after a long layoff due to injury. Rahul had suffered a thigh injury while fielding for Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2023.

“I’m happy to come back into the team and get back the rhythm of being in the middle, playing 100 overs, keeping for 50 overs. I’m fighting for as long as I need to, just getting back that adrenaline of being back on the cricket field. We’re playing the best tournaments outside of the World Cup. We’re playing some quality teams in the next week, 10 days. So I’m very excited about that. I’ve prepared really well. I’m confident about myself,” said Rahul.

With Ishan Kishan grabbing his opportunity against Pakistan, it will be interesting to note if Rahul will get his chance in the playing XI. India will take on Pakistan at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on Sunday.