KL Rahul's return in doubt due to sudden illness

Rahul, who averages 44.44 in Tests, was the star of the show in India's nail-biting victory over Australia earlier this year. The opener averaged 65.5 in the four-match series but a shoulder injury resulted in him missing the 2017 edition of the India Premier League and the following ICC Champions Trophy.

After fighting his way back to full fitness, which took three-and-a-half months, Rahul has now fallen prey to fever which has put his participation in the first Test in Galle at risk. The 25-year-old had to stay in Colombo to undergo tests, which fortunately for India were negative. However, it meant that Rahul did not travel to Galle with the team - a journey he made later. 

Injuries seem to have taken their toll on the youngster who told BCCI, "I am still very nervous. The body is still very unsure and it keeps holding me back every time. That's the biggest challenge coming back from injury."

However, the youngster did keep a positive approach as he added, “It was quite tough but it is part of a sportsman’s life and part of our career. (But) it’s good that things like this happened to me early and I am hoping for an injury-free career going forward.”

India will begin their tour of Sri Lanka with the first Test in Galle.