Rahul to miss IPL 2017 due to shoulder injury

A B de Villiers is likely to lead Royal Challengers Bangalore in the initial phase of Indian Premier League 10 in case Virat Kohli fails to recover from a shoulder injury.

Another bad news for RCB could be KL Rahul’s unavailability, also due to a shoulder injury. Team sources said the India opener will soon be travelling to London to undergo surgery.

The 24-year old had hurt his left shoulder five weeks ago, in the first Test against Australia, but continued to play through pain for the rest of the series.

Regarding Kohli, RCB coach Daniel Vettori said, “Right now, we don’t have a clear picture on his availability. We will know in the next few days. The likely scenario is that AB de Villiers will take over the duties, but we will answer that once we find out if Virat is out.”

The Indian captain will join the team on April 2, but his availability will depend on the health assessment of BCCI doctors and physios, Vettori said.

“He will come in on April 2. Between now and then, BCCI doctors and physio will speak to us and our medical staff will get a clearer picture,” he said.