Sat Nov 16 01:17:04 UTC 2024: ## Rahul’s Injury Clouds India’s Test Plans Ahead of Australia Series
**Perth, Australia:** India’s preparations for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia have suffered a setback with the injury to key batsman KL Rahul. During a warm-up match against India A at the WACA ground in Perth, Rahul was struck on his right elbow by a rising delivery from fast bowler Prasidh Krishna. He left the field after scoring 29 runs and his participation in the first Test, starting November 22nd, is now in doubt.
Rahul’s injury is a significant concern as he was considered a potential replacement for captain Rohit Sharma, should the latter be unavailable for the opening match. While BCCI sources have stated that the extent of the injury is yet to be assessed, the incident casts a shadow over the team’s batting lineup. Rahul’s last Test century was in December 2023 against South Africa, and his form has been inconsistent since.
Meanwhile, star batsman Virat Kohli underwent a scan on Thursday for an undisclosed injury. However, BCCI sources have downplayed any concerns, stating there are no worries regarding his fitness, after he participated in an intra-squad match on Friday scoring 15 runs. Kohli, too, has struggled for runs recently, his last Test century coming in July 2023 against the West Indies.
The five-match Test series between India and Australia begins on November 22nd, 2024, and concludes on January 7th, 2025, with matches scheduled in Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney. India will be aiming to continue their recent success in Australia, having won the last two series there (2018-19 and 2020-21).
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