India batter KL Rahul has reportedly been ruled out of the upcoming third Test against England. He played only in the first Test in late January. After the game, Rahul was ruled out of the second Test early this month due to an injury. However, when the Indian squad for the last three Tests was announced, the right-hander was included but was subjected to fitness alongside Ravindra Jadeja.
The 2013 Champions Trophy winner, Jadeja was also ruled out of the previous game due to an injury. He is set to play in Rajkot. Rahul is reportedly ruled out, although the official communication is yet to be made by the Indian Cricket Board. Meanwhile, Devdutt Padikkal can replace him in the team and Sarfaraz Khan, who was included in the team ahead of the second Test, can make his Test debut.
Notably, Padikkal has recently scored a 100 against Tamil Nadu in the Drawn Four Day. Given his form and experience in First Class Cricket, he might be named as a replacement although it all depends on the team management and selection committee. During the game, the left-hander batted at number three, against his preferred position of opening. After the hundred, he said that he doesn't mind batting at any number for the team.
“I don’t mind batting at No.3 and I don’t mind opening either. So that doesn’t really make a huge difference. As you play more and more cricket and as you gain experience, at this level you will naturally be able to play more shots because you will be more confident about your areas,” he had said.
Sarfaraz Khan might make his debut
The Mumbai player, who got his maiden call-up after years of grind, might make his Test debut. He was named in the team alongside Madhya Pradesh's Rajat Patidar, who had a decent first outing. The third game will start on February 15 in Rajkot.
This is how Twitter reacted
With KL Rahul ruled out of the third Test, Sarfaraz Khan is likely to make his much awaited international debut! pic.twitter.com/HTnL84lAwP
— Sameer Allana (@HitmanCricket) February 12, 2024
Now KL Rahul has been ruled out of the third Test against England. Devdutt Padikkal has come in replacing Rahul.
— Ridhima Pathak (@PathakRidhima) February 12, 2024
Indian squad just keeps on updating. Interesting to see what would be our playing X1. #INDvsENG
Ab toh aadat si hai mujhko aise jeene main 💔🥺#KLRahul #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/H9dBzDnDmR
— Pawan kumar (@Pawanar02106943) February 12, 2024
KL Rahul plays 1st test then gets injured, Rajat Patidar gets selected and makes his debut in 2nd test.
— Aditya Saha (@Adityakrsaha) February 12, 2024
KL Rahul gets selected again for the remaining 3 tests but then he is ruled out & Padikkal gets selected into the squad which means Sarfaraz Khan makes his debut in 3rd test. pic.twitter.com/THnbPRGPbD
Latest picture of KL Rahul from NCA.
— Kunal Yadav (@Kunal_KLR) February 12, 2024
Get well soon, Champ! ❤️ #INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/MYE524Yns0
KL Rahul is not yet fully fit so that he can play that's why he's ruled out from the 3rd Test.
— Kunal Yadav (@Kunal_KLR) February 12, 2024
The medical team would observe KL Rahul for 1 more week to take a call on his availability.
I wish him a speedy recovery. ❤️ #INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/6z1Mtul9uI
Being a fan of KL Rahul is a big thing, you never know what will happen. 😔#KLRahul . #INDvsENGTest pic.twitter.com/mU0IPactWU
— SHUBHAM🚩 (@RAHUL__KL) February 12, 2024
#KLRahul फिक्र करता है क्यों , फिक्र से होता है क्या ... कर ले खुद पे भरोसा , देख फिर होता है क्या ! #KLRahul pic.twitter.com/0MZ22mP2HE
— Gautam goswami (@gautamm_goswami) February 12, 2024
Kl Rahul - injured💀
— 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐢𝐢⁴⁵🥂 (@rushiii_12) February 12, 2024
Virat Kohli - ran away 🤡
S Iyer - fraud. Droped🤡
M Shami - injured
R pant - Out from last 1 year
R Jadeja - not 100% fit
Yes Captain Rohit Sharma never got a full strength Test team, But captain Rohit is going alone to win the England Test series.🫡🇮🇳… pic.twitter.com/oVsz77Sc3A
- Dengue fever, 2015.
— Juman Sarma (@cool_rahulfan) February 12, 2024
- Hamstring, 2016.
- Shoulder surgery, 2017.
- Left wrist, 2021.
- Apendix, 2021.
- Strain in left thigh, 2021.
- Hamstring, 2022.
- Hernia surgery, 2022.
- Covid-19.
- Thigh surgery, 2023.
- Quadriceps pain, now.
Being KL Rahul isn't easy...!!! 💔 pic.twitter.com/rgwkewOqIs