KL Rahul’s Injury Scare and Kohli’s Form: Concerns Rise for India Ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy

India’s preparations for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy encountered a setback on Friday as opener KL Rahul left the field for scans after taking a blow to his right elbow during a match simulation at the WACA ground. Rahul, who scored 29 runs before being hit by a sharp bouncer from pacer Prasidh Krishna, walked off the field after consulting with the team physio. With the first Test against Australia set to begin on November 22, his injury raises concerns, especially as he is a potential opener if skipper Rohit Sharma misses the match.

Uncertainty Surrounding Rahul’s Fitness

“About Rahul…it’s just happened so will take some time to assess (his elbow),” a BCCI source told PTI. Rahul is keen to make a Test comeback, having been left out of the starting XI since the Bengaluru match against New Zealand last month.

The 32-year-old’s last Test century came against South Africa at Centurion in December 2023. Since then, Rahul has managed only two fifties in his last nine innings, and he hopes to regain form against Australia.

Virat Kohli’s Scans and Form Worries

Adding to the injury concerns, star batter Virat Kohli also reportedly underwent scans on Thursday for an unspecified issue. However, Kohli was able to participate in the match simulation, scoring 15 before being dismissed. BCCI sources stated that there are “no concerns as of now with Virat Kohli.”

Kohli, however, has been struggling to find his best form in Tests recently. His last century came against the West Indies at Port of Spain in July 2023. Since then, the 36-year-old has only two fifties in 14 Test innings, and his 2024 average has dipped to 22.72 from six Tests. Across his last 60 innings, he has averaged a modest 31.68. Despite this, Kohli has a stellar track record in Australia, averaging over 54 on Australian soil across his four tours.

Ravi Shastri Backs Kohli to Shine

Former India coach and captain Ravi Shastri remains optimistic about Kohli’s chances of regaining form against Australia. “Well, the king is back in his territory,” Shastri said on the ICC Review show. “When you’ve earned that title after your exploits in Australia, it will be on your opponent’s mind when you go out to bat,” he added.

India’s Road Ahead

As the first Test approaches, India faces uncertainty around Rahul’s availability while Kohli’s form remains in focus. Both players are crucial for India’s ambitions in the five-match series, with Australia’s strong bowling attack posing a formidable challenge.