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Rahul in doubt for Champions Trophy

Young India star admits chances of playing in ODI showpiece event are 'slim' after suffering shoulder injury against Australia

India look set to be without opener KL Rahul for their ICC Champions Trophy campaign in England in June. 

Rahul suffered an injury to his left shoulder during the recent Border-Gavaskar Test series and was ruled out of the ongoing Indian Premier League tournament in order to undergo surgery in England on April 10. 

The 25-year-old was a star performer throughout the four Tests against Australia, despite suffering the injury in the series opener. 

He scored six fifties in seven innings to finish as his side's leading runs-scorer, with 393 at 65.50. 

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"I have to wait and see but the chances are slim," Rahul told Times of India of his prospects for the ICC ODI event, which begins on June 1. 

"(I needed the surgery because) I couldn't get into a few positions (while batting) because my shoulder kept dislocating. 

"That's why I couldn't play a lot of shots and had to restrict myself. I played with a lot of medication and taping.

"The doctor said it will take two-three months (to recover).

"Each body is different, so you don't know how it recovers. 

"It is totally up to me and how I well I take care of myself in the rehab phase. 

"For now, it is two-three weeks of relaxing and after that, I will start physiotherapy. 

"My rehab will start from there."

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Rahul only debuted in ODI cricket last June and has played just the six matches, though much like his Test career, he began brightly, posting a century and a fifty in a three-match series against Zimbabwe. 

A sterner examination came from England in January, and the right-hander was unable to continue his success, making scores of eight, five and 11. 

"(Injuries are) frustrating for a young man who is new to international cricket – it's been two-and-a-half years now," Rahul added. 

"I've already been injured twice or thrice. 

"It makes me think about what I am doing wrong.

"I can't see any reason why I keep getting injured because I am disciplined with my fitness and my diet and I look after my body. 

"Now is the time to see what I can change in training. 

"To be injury-free is wishful thinking for a sportsman; to be fit and minimise injuries will be my goal once I get back."