Senior India batter KL Rahul’s injury has become a topic of debate lately. The right-hander had sustained a quadriceps injury during the first Test against England at Hyderabad and he went on to miss the remainder of the five-match series.

With barely a few days remaining for the IPL 2024, a report published in PTI claimed that Rahul has received fitness clearance from the National Cricket Academy to take part in the cash-rich tournament.

However, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) skipper has been advised to gradually return to keeping, considering the nature of his injury.

"The NCA has given him clearance and he will join his mates in Lucknow on Thursday (March 20) before they travel to Jaipur for the opening game against Rajasthan Royals on March 24. It is understood that he has been told to avoid squatting initially and he can don the big gloves in coming days. For first few games, he will only play as pure batter," a BCCI source tracking the developments of LSG told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

According to the report, the franchise is not sweating over Rahul's keeping as they have two quality glovesmen in their ranks - Quinton de Kock and Nicholas Pooran.

However, it will be important for Rahul himself to keep wickets if he has to stake claim for a spot in the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup 2024, slated to be held in the West Indies and USA from June 1 to Juen 29.

"Rahul will not be considered for a top three slot in the Indian T20 team considering his previous performances. He can be that keeper-batter at Nos 5 or 6 if he has a decent IPL. But if he plays purely as a batter, you have a far better option in Rinku Singh, apart from Rishabh Pant, who might just stake a claim with some power-packed performances," a BCCI source privy to developments, said.

The IPL 2024 season is slated to get underway on March 22 with the CSK versus RCB clash at Chepauk. LSG will open their campaign against Rajasthan Royals on March 24 in Jaipur.

(With PTI Inputs)