KL Rahul ruled out of IPL 2023, in danger of missing WTC final for India

Ah, the Indian Premier League (IPL), the most loved and hated cricket league in the world. Loved for its star-studded teams, thrilling matches, and unimaginable amounts of money, and hated for its brutal toll on players' physical and mental health.

It's almost become a tradition now - every year, as IPL fever grips the nation, fans and experts alike start fretting about the toll it will take on players. And every year, those fears are validated as players get injured, fatigued, and mentally drained after weeks of non-stop cricket.

But what's even more frustrating is the way the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) handles the situation. They're quick to rest key players during international tours, citing workload management, but when it comes to the IPL, it's all systems go. Players are allowed to play for two months straight, with little regard for their physical or mental health.

And while the IPL is undoubtedly a cash cow for the BCCI, it's hurting India's chances internationally. As players struggle to recover from the grueling IPL season, they're often not at their best for high-profile events like the World Test Championship final.

So what does India's playing XI look like now? With key players resting, it's a bit of a mixed bag. We've got Gill, Rohit, Puji, Kohli, Rahane, Bharat, Jaddu, Shami, Siraj, and then it's a toss-up between Bhuvi, Ishant, and Ashwin for the final two spots.