Sourav Ganguly suggests replacement for injured KL Rahul in 2023 WTC Final against Australia

Sourav Ganguly & Rahul Dravid (Source: Twitter)

Former India Test vice-captain KL Rahul was part of the 15-member Indian Test squad for the upcoming Test Championship Final announced by the Indian Cricket Board on April 25. However, the right-handed batter took to his Instagram handle to announce that he has been ruled out of the marquee event against Australia and the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) due to an injury.

Team India will already be without Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah, and Shreyas Iyer for the final, which is set to take place at the Oval in June. With exactly one month left, Rahul's injury is a big headache for the Indian selection committee. Meanwhile, his Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) teammate Jaydev Unadkat is also likely to miss the mega-event due to a shoulder injury.

Amid these concerns, former Indian Cricket Board chief Sourav Ganguly on Friday has given his take on who will come in to replace wicketkeeper batter Rahul for the 2023 Test Championship final. Ganguly suggested the name of veteran batter Rahane but added that it is up to head coach Rahul Dravid to decide on the best option available.

"It's for Rahul Dravid to decide, Rahane is there," the Director of Cricket at Delhi Capitals told the media.

"It's a tough call to make, but I know it's the right one": Rahul after being ruled out of IPL and WTC final

While sharing an update on his injury, Rahul said he is set to undergo surgery on his thigh and thanked the IPL franchise, the Indian Cricket Board and teammates for their "unwavering support during this difficult time".

"Update - After careful consideration and consultation with the medical team, it's been concluded that I'll be undergoing surgery on my thigh shortly. My focus will be on my rehabilitation and recovery in the coming weeks. It's a tough call to make, but I know it's the right one to ensure a full recovery," the 31-year-old wrote on his Instagram page.

"Absolutely gutted that I won't be at the Oval next month with Team India. I'll do everything I can to get back in blue and help my country. That has always been my focus and priority. @indiancricketteam. I want to express gratitude to each one of you - my fans, that gave me the strength to get back up, the LSG management and the Indian Cricket Board for their promptness, and my teammates for their unwavering support during this difficult time. Your encouragement and messages mean a lot to me and motivate me to come back stronger and fitter than ever before," he added.