IPL 2023: Lucknow Super Giants announce KL Rahul’s replacement for remainder season

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have named Karun Nair as a replacement for KL Rahul for the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023.

“Armed with a wealth of IPL experience spanning across multiple franchises, Karun has 1,496 runs to his name in the competition. A technically sound batter, Karun is part of an elite list to have scored a triple hundred in Tests in what was only his 3rd match.

“Having racked up almost 6,000 runs in the domestic circuit at an average of 50, Karun is determined to make an instant impact in IPL 2023,” LSG said in an official release.

Speaking on joining LSG for the season, Nair said “Really happy to be joining the Super Giants. I wish KL a speedy recovery and hope he comes back stronger. Look forward to meeting my teammates very soon and contributing to the team”.

In his IPL career, Nair has represented Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals), Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals and RCB. Nair and Rahul have been longtime colleagues in the Karnataka side in India's domestic circuit.

LSG captain Rahul on Friday announced that he would be soon undergoing thigh surgery and was out of the IPL 2023. He has left the LSG camp and is in Mumbai now as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken over his case. Rahul is also out of India’s World Test Championship (WTC) final, which is scheduled to begin on June 7 at The Oval, London.

“After careful consideration and consultation with the medical team, it's been concluded that I'll be undergoing a surgery on my thigh shortly. 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.

“It pains me deeply not to be able to be there during this crucial period. But, I'm confident that the boys will rise to the occasion and give their best performance as always. I'll be cheering for them from the sidelines with all of you, watching every game,” Rahul wrote on Instagram.

Rahul suffered an injury during a game against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) earlier in the IPL 2023. While fielding in the first innings, the 31-year-old tore a tendon in his right leg while fielding against RCB earlier this week. Although he did return to bat at No.11 later in the game, Rahul was in visible discomfort and could not run between the wickets.

“Absolutely gutted that I won't be at the Oval next month with Team India. I'll do everything I can to get back in blue and help my country. That has always been my focus and priority.

“I want to express gratitude to each one of you - my fans, that gave me the strength to get back up, the LSG management and the BCCI for their promptness, and my teammates for their unwavering support during this difficult time. Your encouragement and messages mean a lot to me and motivate me to come back stronger and fitter than ever before,”concluded Rahul.

With 11 points after 10 games, LSG are currently placed second in the IPL 2023 table, three points behind leaders Gujarat Titans (GT).

Rahul had undergone hernia surgery just around 10 months ago in Germany, and it is understood that all factors are being taken into consideration.

The India batter Rahul accumulated 274 runs in nine innings at an average of 34.25 in IPL 2023, while the LSG management has not taken a call if it will seek a replacement for him.