KL Rahul, Jaydev Unadkat reportedly ruled out of IPL 2023, doubtful for Test Championship final

KL Rahul & Jaydev Unadkat (Source: Twitter)

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), who are currently third in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 points table, have suffered major setbacks during their successful run so far in the tournament. After sustaining a serious thigh injury during LSG's last game against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), skipper KL Rahul has reportedly been ruled out of the IPL 2023. Pacer Jaydev Unadkat's shoulder injury is also serious, and he will miss the rest of the tournament.

The two senior players are included in the squad for the Test Championship final at the Oval from June 7 to 11, implying that their injuries serve a blow not only to LSG but also to Team India. It will be a race against time for the Indian Cricket Board Sports Science & Medical Team to get Rahul and Unadkat ready for the marquee event against Australia.

"KL is currently with the team in Lucknow but he is leaving the camp on Thursday after watching the game against CSK on Wednesday. His scans will be done in Mumbai at the Indian Cricket Board-designated medical facility. His case as well as Jaydev's case will be handled by the board," a senior Indian Cricket Board source familiar with the situation told PTI.

Team India cannot afford any more injuries before a key event

The former vice-captain of the Indian Test team hurt his right thigh during the first innings when RCB captain Faf du Plessis hit Marcus Stoinis through the extra-cover region and Rahul rushed to save the boundary.

"Since he is an important member of the Test team, it would only be prudent that he doesn't take any further part in IPL. Once the scans ascertain the degree of injury, the medical team will decide the course of action," the source added.

Left-arm pacer Unadkat injured his shoulder while bowling in the nets ahead of the match against RCB and his condition is also not looking great at the moment.

"Yes, it's a good thing that Jaydev doesn't have a dislocation but the shoulder isn't in great shape and he can't play IPL any more as far as this season is concerned. Also, we can't say if he will get fit in time for Test Championship final," the source concluded.

The Indian team will already be missing the services of Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah, and Shreyas Iyer in the Test championship final, and if Unadkat and Rahul do not recover in time, it would be a major headache for the Indian selection committee. Meanwhile, LSG spinner Krunal Pandya is likely to lead the team in their remaining matches.