Perth/IBNS: Indian batter KL Rahul was hit on his elbow during an intra-squad match of Team India, triggering an injury scare ahead of the inaugural match of the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024 against Australia, media reports said.

The photos of Rahul leaving the field being uncomfortable was seen on social media.

The right-handed batter was escorted by the team's physio.

The incident has raised concerns for India ahead of the first Test, which will begin on November 22, as Rahul was likely to open the innings for his team in absence of captain Rohit Sharma, who has taken a paternal leave.

Apart from Rahul, Abhimanyu Easwaran is also a contender to place Rohit in the playing XI.

"Obviously there is [Abhimanyu] Easwaran and there is [KL [Rahul] there. So we will take a call closer to the first Test match if Rohit is not available," India's head coach Gautam Gambhir said.

India's vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah will step into the leadership role in the first Test, which will be played in Perth.

India's assignment in Australia is set to be a massive challenge as Gambhir's side need to win the five-match series either 4-0 or 4-1 to qualify for the World Test Championship final, which will be held in London next year.

India slumped into this crisis after they were whitewashed at home by New Zealand 0-3 in the recently concluded Test series.