IPL 2024: KL Rahul gets NCA clearance, may not keep initially for Lucknow Super Giants; what are wicketkeeping options for LSG?

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Lucknow Super Giants' captain, KL Rahul, is gearing up to lead his franchise from the very first match of the IPL 2024 season after receiving clearance from the National Cricket Academy (NCA). However, he has been advised against taking up wicket-keeping duties in the initial games.

Rahul sustained a quadriceps strain during the first Test against England in Hyderabad. Although initially expected to rejoin the team by the third game, the stylish right-handed batsman experienced tightness in his muscles, prompting him to sit out the remaining matches.

Rahul recently shared a brief video showcasing his batting, along with basic keeping drills and outfield practice at the NCA. According to a BCCI source familiar with the developments of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Rahul has been given the green light to join his team in Lucknow on Thursday (March 20) ahead of their journey to Jaipur for the opening clash against Rajasthan Royals on March 24.

He has been advised to refrain from squatting initially, with plans to resume wicket-keeping duties in the upcoming matches. For the initial few games, Rahul will focus solely on his batting prowess.

The franchise appears unconcerned about Rahul's absence from behind the stumps, given the presence of two seasoned wicket-keepers in their ranks: former Proteas star Quinton de Kock and West Indies' Nicholas Pooran, who also serves as vice-captain for the season.

However, Rahul's ability to keep wickets will be crucial if he aims to secure a place in the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup scheduled in the USA and West Indies in June.

Considering Rahul's prior performances, it is unlikely that he will be considered for a top-three batting position in the Indian T20I team. Instead, he could potentially serve as a keeper-batsman at positions five or six, provided he delivers a commendable performance in the IPL.

Alternatively, players like Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson offer formidable options, with Pant potentially strengthening his case through impactful displays in the tournament, according to a BCCI insider familiar with the situation.