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Xtra Time Web Desk: Star Indian cricketer KL Rahul hogged the limelight at the indoor practice session held at the Nondescripts Cricket Club in Colombo on Thursday ahead of the Super 4 stage matches in Asia Cup 2023. Rahul, who had been declared fit by the NCA medical staff in Bengaluru, joined the Indian squad on Monday. During the practice session, he engaged in light fitness drills before stepping into the nets for batting practice. He received throwdowns from Raghu, Nuwan, and batting coach Vikram Rathour, marking his first practice session with the team since his return.

Rahul's availability for selection, coupled with Ishan Kishan's impressive performance in the first group league match against Pakistan, poses a pleasant dilemma for the team management when choosing the playing XI for the first Super 4 stage match scheduled for September 10 at the R Premadasa stadium.

The inclusion of Rahul undoubtedly bolsters the Indian batting lineup, while Ishan Kishan's remarkable innings of 82 runs off 81 balls against Pakistan adds depth to the team's batting prowess.

Despite adverse weather conditions with heavy rain, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya, and Shardul Thakur were among those who had productive net sessions. Captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli opted out of the optional training session. Players who skipped the session engaged in light gym workouts and pool sessions, focusing on maintaining their form and honing specific skills.

In related news, the Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh teams were set to arrive in Colombo later in the day, with Pakistan having a rest day on Friday before resuming training on Saturday in preparation for the much-anticipated clash on September 10.