'Isse phle Pant theek ho jayega' - Fans react as reports of KL Rahul likely to miss Asia Cup 2023 surfaces

KL Rahul (Source: Twitter)

India, defeated in the WTC final against Australia, aims to rebound in One-Day World Cup, using Asia Cup as preparation.

But with these tournaments around the corner, the Indian selectors will have a significant headache as several key players are unavailable due to injuries. India has been without Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul over the past few months. It is uncertain when all of these players will return to the field, although reports and rumours suggest that some may do so before the World Cup.

However, in a recent update, India would be without one such injured player for the Asia Cup in August-September - wicket-keeper batter Rahul. After suffering a knee injury during the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL), Rahul underwent surgery in May and is currently rehabilitating. According to Cricbuzz, the 31-year-old's return to the cricket field is unknown, and he is likely to be fit before the continental tournament.

Iyer's participation also in doubt, Bumrah targets comeback during Ireland series

In addition, the reports say that Shreyas Iyer's fitness is not looking good at the moment, and his participation is also in doubt, given that the event is only one month away. The middle-order batter also had back surgery recently following an injury. While Pant is unlikely to return to the field this year, the Indian Cricket Board hopes Bumrah will return during the August Ireland series.

Meanwhile, injury concerns for key players could open doors for Sanju Samson to feature in major tournaments. The Rajasthan Royals skipper has been picked for the wicketkeeper-batter role alongside Ishan Kishan for the upcoming West Indies tour. Samson debuted for India years back, but owing to his inconsistency, he only received a few opportunities. An impressive performance on Caribbean soil could earn him a spot in the Asia Cup and World Cup.

Here's how fans reacted: 

It’s called blessings in disguise 🤣

— Anshul Thakur (@iamthakuranshul) June 24, 2023

It is a bit downhill for Rahul unless something out of the ordinary happens. Indian cricket may look beyond.

— Bhargav Mitra (@bhargav_mitra) June 24, 2023

Mujhe to lag rha hai, isse phle pant theek ho jayega ,

— santanu (@THECamaio) June 24, 2023

I hope he will be fit and ready when the retirement time comes

— Evergrow (@EverGrowGuy) June 24, 2023

Great loss for Pakistan and shaheen shah afridi. He'll get no more free wicket in first over

— Avneet Anand (@AvneetAnand9) June 24, 2023

Finally some good news after painful wtc loss.

— viSH (@viishal) June 24, 2023

He will be ready fo ipl 2024

— Blaze7️⃣ (@ImPrime111) June 24, 2023

Athiya shetty parties me or Kele Rahul ghar me :pic.twitter.com/okv6Fo318J

— Tweeting Quarantino (@rohitadhikari92) June 24, 2023

Those saying advantage India should know he plays at No.5 in ODI and not as opener.

Fir se top order collapse karega then niche bas Jadeja aur Pandya hi honge soch lo 😂

— Johns (@JohnyBravo183) June 24, 2023