KL Rahul Injury Scare as India Batters Struggle in WACA Match Simulation

KL Rahul was forced to leave the field after being struck on the elbow during an intra-squad match simulation at the WACA, raising concerns over his fitness ahead of India's first Test against Australia. Although Rahul had been in fluent touch before the injury, he was struck on his right elbow by a rising delivery from fast bowler Prasidh Krishna. After seeking medical attention, Rahul did not return to bat, adding to India's injury concerns.

The match simulation, part of India’s preparations a week before the Test series begins at Optus Stadium, featured the main Indian XI against a side made up mostly of fringe players and India A prospects. Rahul, opening the batting alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal in overcast conditions, had looked comfortable and was dealing well with short-pitched bowling until the unfortunate injury. 

Jaiswal, who started aggressively with a powerful shot through the covers, was dismissed for 15 after edging a delivery to second slip. Virat Kohli, amid reports that he had undergone scans recently, appeared in fine form initially, playing some elegant cover drives. However, he was also dismissed for 15, nicking a delivery from Mukesh Kumar to second slip, and spent some time in the nets afterward.

Short-pitched bowling had been a focus for India’s batters during the simulation, with local club bowlers testing the batsmen with rapid deliveries. Some batters even participated in a drill where a tennis ball was fired at their heads from close range. The WACA pitch, however, had less bounce and carry compared to recent Sheffield Shield matches, but still provided movement off the length, which caused problems for the Indian batters.

Rishabh Pant, who had previously struggled against the short ball in net sessions, started well with a boundary through the off-side but was soon shaken by a blow to the groin. He was eventually bowled by Nitish Kumar Reddy, who claimed another wicket later in the day, dismissing Dhruv Jurel in the slips.

Shubman Gill, who struggled early, spent two hours at the crease, looking uncomfortable for much of his stay before being dismissed for 28, caught in the gully off a short-of-a-length delivery from Navdeep Saini. India reached the lunch interval at 106 for 5 after 28 overs.

Following the break, the main Indian batters returned for another round of batting, with specific match situations being tested. Jaiswal and Gill, who had initially been cautious, adopted an aggressive approach but soon reverted to a more sedate style of batting, as India’s coaching staff observed. Jaiswal, who had been the most comfortable against the short ball and showed great attacking intent against spin, finished unbeaten on 58. Gill, though sometimes anchored to the crease, made an unbeaten 42.

Kohli and Pant returned after the final break, facing more short-pitched deliveries from Prasidh and Reddy. Kohli was particularly troubled by the bouncers, playing and missing several times. However, he regained his rhythm and played some elegant backfoot strokes, including a pull shot for a boundary that damaged his bat and required a replacement. He finished on 30 not out, easing concerns over his fitness.

Pant, trying to counter the short-pitched bowling by coming down the pitch, was eventually bowled for 24 by the impressive Mukesh Kumar, marking the second time he had been dismissed by the bowler during the day.

The final passage of play saw Dhruv Jurel and Akash Deep bat as India finished on 339 for 8 after 75 overs. The match simulation is set to continue over the weekend as India continues their preparations for the upcoming Test series.