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'Are yarr yea kya hain'- Fans react as Rahul Dravid confirms star India batter set to miss first two games of Asia Cup

India head coach Rahul Dravid confirmed on Tuesday, August 29 that wicketkeeper batter KL Rahul is set to miss the first two matches.

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Rohit Kumar
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Rahul Dravid

Rahul Dravid (Source: Twitter)

India head coach Rahul Dravid confirmed on Tuesday, August 29 that wicketkeeper batter KL Rahul is set to miss the first two matches of the Asia Cup against Pakistan and Nepal. He said Rahul will not be travelling with the Indian team to Sri Lanka ahead of their opening match against Pakistan on September 2.

He was included in the 17-man squad announced by chief selector Ajit Agarkar on August 21. Agarkar also hinted that Rahul would miss the first few games of the Asia Cup. He had niggle that was unrelated to the thigh injury he recovered from earlier in the year.

He has had a really good week with us here: Rahul Dravid

Dravid said during a press conference, "So giving clarity on KL Rahul. He has had a really good week with us here. He has done training and is progressing really well on the route that we want to take. But he will be unavailable for the first part, for the Kandy leg of the tournament."

"The NCA will be looking after him while we are traveling. We will re-assess on the 4th and take it from there. But the signs are really good. He will be unavailable for the first 2 games. But we will re-assess on the 4th and take it from there."

"From our perspective, it's just two fewer games. Both him and Shreyas are in the same bat. KL Rahul is really batting well, he is keeping well. I think it's just a slightly more cautious approach to him, leading into the World Cup. He will have a couple of match simulations over the next few days here."

The 50-year-old further added, "We are hoping that it should be only two games that he is missing. I am not worried about it. Him and Shreyas are experienced players. I expect KL Rahul to be available for the Colombo leg (of Asia Cup)."

Rahul's absence for the first two matches Ishan Kishan is likely to take the gloves in the XI. In that case, it will be interesting to see where the left-hander bats.

Here's how fans reacted: 

 

KL Rahul Rahul Dravid