LSG were dealt an early blow in their IPL clash against Bangalore when captain Rahul walked off in the second over itself after trying to save a boundary. Faf du Plessis drove a length ball towards cover, and Rahul gave chase before pulling up, holding his right leg and grimacing in pain.

A stretcher was brought on to aid Rahul in leaving the field, but the wicketkeeper instead got up with the help of his teammates. He was then helped out from the ground by members of the support staff, limping and in pain.

Rahul is a part of the squad for the World Test Championship final between India and Australia, scheduled in the first week of June. The decision to not use a stretcher and instead risk aggravating his injury was criticised by commentator Deep Dasgupta.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea that he’s walking. I think he should be on a stretcher. Just get to the dressing room without aggravating it any further and then get the treatment straight away.”

Krunal Pandya is leading LSG in the game against RCB in Rahul’s absence. Earlier this season, Kane Williamson had to be stretchered away after hurting his knee, which ruled him out of the remainder of the IPL.