Wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul, was on Tuesday ruled out of the first two matches of the upcoming Asia Cup due to a "niggle" not only delaying his much-anticipated return to the Indian team but also raising doubts about his availability for the ODI World Cup, starting October 5.

India take on Pakistan in their tournament opener on September 2 followed by Nepal on September 4, the two games that Rahul will be missing as he will join the team during the Super Four phase of the tournament.