Rahul, tipped to open the innings in the Perth Test in case Rohit Sharma is unavailable, suffered an injury scare during the visitors’ intrasquad match. He copped a blow to his right elbow from a rising ball from Prasidh Krishna. After being attended by medical staff, he tried to bat but soon had to leave the field for 29. He didn't return to bat further.

Indian team physios: KL Rahul is absolutely fine

On Sunday (November 17), the BCCI posted a video update on social media on Rahul's fitness.

BCCI physio Kamlesh Jain said, "The key for us is to make sure there is no fracture or bony lesions in there. 48 hours since the impact and he's responded well to treatments. He should be ready to go."

Yogesh Parmar, another Team India physio added: "I took him for the X-ray and scan and based upon the reporting, I was confident that he should be fine. It was just a matter of controlling the pain and giving him some confidence. So, from a medical point of view, he is absolutely fine."

No major concerns over KL Rahul's fitness

However, according to a Times of India report, there were "no major concerns" over his unavailability, and the management "took the cautious route as it's a long tour".

As of Sunday (November 17), Rahul was not in any visible discomfort after the blow, and seemed to be fairly comfortable in the nets.

Rahul has had a torrid time with the bat of late. After being backed in the middle-order, he was dropped following India’s loss in the Bengaluru Test against New Zealand, where he scored 0 and 12. India succumbed to a rare home series whitewash.

In another injury scare, India's incumbent No.6 batter Sarfaraz Khan was seen leaving the field after being hit on the elbow. However, Wisden.com has learnt that there are "no issues" with the batter following the blow.

Sarfaraz, who blew hot and cold in the New Zealand series, will fight for a spot in the middle order with KL Rahul and Dhruv Jurel, who impressed during India A's unofficial Tests earlier. While there was speculation yesterday (November 15) over Virat Kohli’s fitness, he dismissed it by coming to bat during India’s match simulation.

The first Test will get underway from November 22. The series will be crucial for India’s 2023-25 WTC final chances after their series defeat against New Zealand.

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