Perth
Rahul, who is eyeing a Test comeback, was hit on the right elbow by a sharp delivery from pacer Prasidh Krishna during a match simulation at the WACA ground on Friday. The 32-year-old retired hurt after scoring 29 runs and left the field for scans.
BCCI sources revealed that it is too early to assess the severity of the injury. Rahul is a potential opener for the first Test if Captain Rohit Sharma, whose participation remains uncertain, is unavailable.
Rahul’s recent Test form has been under scrutiny. His last Test century came in December 2023 against South Africa at Centurion, but he has since managed only two fifties in nine innings. He was dropped from the playing XI after the Bengaluru Test against New Zealand last month.
In a separate development, star batter Virat Kohli also underwent scans on Thursday for an undisclosed issue. However, Kohli participated in the practice match and scored 15 runs. The BCCI has downplayed concerns about his fitness, stating there are no issues as of now.
Kohli, 36, has struggled in Tests recently, averaging just 22.72 in 2024. However, his track record in Australia is exceptional, with an average of over 54 across four previous tours.
Former India coach Ravi Shastri remains optimistic about Kohli’s resurgence. ‘The king is back in his territory,’ Shastri said, expressing confidence in Kohli’s ability to shine in the high-stakes Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.
