Internet Desk: Indian opener and Royal Challengers batsman KL Rahul will miss the IPL season 10 due to a shoulder injury. According to the RCB team sources, Rahul will soon travel to London to undergo a surgery.
Rahul had hurt his left shoulder in the first Test against the Aussies, but continued to play the series with his injury for the rest of the series.
Owing to this injury, Sarfaraz Khan could get an opportunity early on in the tournament, for he has been really good this domestic season, said RCB coach Daniel Vettori.
“Sarfaraz has been really good. At the back end of the domestic season he started to put some runs on the board.
Everyone knows how talented he is. With possible injuries, he could get an opportunity early on in the tournament,” he said.
Vettori also said the side has enough bench strength to manage in Kohli’s absence as its boasts of some exceptional batsmen including Sarfaraz and Mandeep Singh, who haven’t had many chances coming their way.
“Fortunately, we have a number of exceptional batsmen who haven’t got many playing chances, like Sarfaraz Khan and Mandeep Singh. It is a huge asset for us that someone else can fill in those gaps,” he said.
Vettori said Kohli and KL Rahul are accustomed to the rigours of international schedule.
“They are accustomed to this. Virat has played for the country for so long, so he is familiar with the rigours of international schedule and the IPL. Yet, he still performs well like we saw last year,” he said.
“KL too was part of the Test squad in the past. Most important thing is that they are fit and prepared for this. If we give small mental breaks for them now and then (it will be enough). Physically, I think they will be fine. We will just try to keep it as relaxed and calm as possible,” he said.
Vettori said it is important that players get rest because they have to play about 15 matches and managing them becomes that much important,” he said.
“It is going to be an incredibly busy April because we have to play around 15 games. Managing players is important.
Possibly more than anything is giving the rest that players need. We won’t overdo it. For now, we’ll build up to a great game on the fifth,” he said.