India has been dealt a major blow for the WTC Final against Australia as batting superstar KL Rahul will miss the match due to injury.
Rahul is set to undergo surgery on his thigh after suffering an injury when playing for Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League late last week.
Whilst fielding, Rahul tore a tendon in his right leg and left the ground immediately, being helped by players and the coaching staff.
"After careful consideration and consultation with the medical team, it's been concluded that I'll be undergoing a surgery on my thigh shortly," Rahul wrote on Instagram on Friday.
"My focus will be on my rehabilitation and recovery in the coming weeks. It's a tough call to make, but I know it's the right one to ensure a full recovery."
Named in India's WTC Final squad last month, Rahul was a definite starter in the batting line-up. His injury and surgery will also keep him out for the remainder of the IPL.
"Absolutely gutted that I won't be at The Oval next month with Team India," he wrote.ย
"I'll do everything I can to get back in blue and help my country. That has always been my focus and priority."
India WTC Final Squad
Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, KL Rahul, KS Bharat (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Mohammad Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat
