Lucknow Super Giants skipper KL Rahul is all set to make his injury return after getting an all-clear from the National Cricket Academy (NCA) but has been reportedly advised not to don wicketkeeping gloves in the initial games at the Indian Premier League 2024.

The star batter suffered a strain in his quadriceps during the first Test match against England forcing him to the next four games. He recently joined the LSG’s pre-season training camp and is set to feature in the entire IPL 2024 season.

According to a report from PTI, Rahul has been advised not to keep in the initial stage of the tournament and play as a pure batter. A decision is unlikely to harm LSG’s preparations as they boast quality wicketkeeping options in Nicholas Pooran and Quinton de Kock. 

“The NCA has given Rahul 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,” the BCCI source was quoted saying by PTI. “It is understood that he has been told to avoid squatting initially and he can don the big gloves in coming days. For the first few games, he will only play as a pure batter.”

The same report also adds that Rahul is not considered to play in the top order despite having an impressive record in the past IPL editions. But with the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in sight, the batter is expected to stake his claim in the national team by playing in the lower-middle order in the IPL 2024.

“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,” the BCCI source added.