The Board of Control for Cricket in India on Monday officially stated that KL Rahul has been ruled out of the India squad for the upcoming World Test Championship Final, adding that "it has been decided that Rahul will undergo surgery at the earliest followed by rehab at the National Cricket Academy for the same." BCCI further named Ishan Kishan as a replacement for the right-handed batter while Ruturaj Gaikwad, Suryakumar Yadav and Mukesh Kumar have been added as reserves. Earlier last week, Rahul had ruled himself out from the one-off Test against Australia starting June 7 at The Oval in London, after he sustained a thigh injury while fielding during the Lucknow Super Giants-Royal Challengers Bangalore IPL 2023 game. "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 the blue and help my country. That has always been my focus and priority," the 31-year-old had posted on his social media. NEWS - KL Rahul ruled out of WTC final against Australia. Ishan Kishan named as his replacement in the squad. Standby players: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Mukesh Kumar, Suryakumar Yadav. More details here - #TeamIndia — BCCI (@BCCI) May 8, 2023 He added, "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 BCCI also updated on the status of Jaydev Unadkat, who had injured his shoulder while bowling in the nets ahead of the RCB game in Lucknow. "A specialist consultation has been sought and the left-arm fast bowler is currently at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru undergoing strength and rehab sessions for his shoulder. A decision on his participation in the WTC final will be taken at a later stage," the statement from the board read. Among the names of Indian cricketers part of the red-ball final, who have picked injuries during the ongoing IPL season is Umesh Yadav. The right arm medium quick had been injured while featuring for KKR against RCB last month, a 'minor left hamstring' as assessed by the BCCI, who further stated that they'll be monitoring his progress in the coming weeks to ascertain his position ahead of the final next month.
