IND versus ENG: Jasprit Bumrah is expected to return; KL Rahul is ruled out of the fifth test at Dharamsala
KL Rahul has been ruled out of the match, BCCI stated in a statement. Rahul’s participation in the fifth and final Test against England in Dharamsala was contingent upon his fitness.
The statement went on to say, “The BCCI Medical Team is closely monitoring him and coordinating with specialists in London for further management of his issue.”
The 31-year-old batter had traveled to London in order to consult with a physician on the right quadriceps ailment that had prevented him from playing in the second, third, and fourth Tests against England.
The BCCI Needs to Provide More Clarity on the KL Rahul Conundrum
Rahul has previously missed time due to an injury sustained while fielding for the Lucknow Super Giants in the 2023 IPL. Due to the injury, he missed more than four months of play on the field after surgery and rehabilitation.
After making a brilliant 111* to mark his comeback in the Asia Cup Super-four match against Pakistan, he went on to play a pivotal role in India’s incredible World Cup run at home. He scored 86 in the first Test against England in Hyderabad during the tour of South Africa, and he also made a century in the first Test in Centurion.
However, he has not been able to play for the last three Tests. “KL Rahul has reached 90% of match fitness and is progressing well under the supervision of the BCCI medical team,” the BCCI said in a press statement before to the Rajkot Test.
A Second Opportunity for Rajat Patidar?
Rahul’s absence means that Rajat Paditar, a middle-order batsman who replaced Rahul in the second Test, may have one more opportunity to shine in the fifth. Patidar’s debut in Vizag was a composed 32, but he could not score more than 20 runs in any of his next five Test innings. The 30-year-old’s spot in the starting XI is now seriously questioned as requests to switch out the MP batter for Devdutt Padikkal of Karnataka are gaining traction. Padikkal’s successful Ranji Trophy season and strong showings against England Lions earlier in the year led to his selection in the team for the remaining three Test matches.
Jasprit Bumrah Is Expected Back
Washington Sundar has been discharged from the squad, while Jasprit Bumrah, who was cut from the team for the fourth Test in Ranchi, will join the team in Dharamsala for the fifth Test. On March 2, 2024, he will play with his Ranji Trophy team, Tamil Nadu, against Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy Semi-final. If required, he will join the India team after the conclusion of the domestic match for the fifth Test.
Update on Muhammad Shami
The BCCI release provided an update on pacer Mohammad Shami, saying, “On February 26, 2024, Mohd. Shami successfully underwent surgery for his right heel problem.” He is making a good recovery, and he will shortly start his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.
The amended India team for the fifth Test is as follows: Devdutt Padikkal, R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Dhruv Jurel (WK), KS Bharat (WK), Rohit Sharma (C), Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (WK), KS Bharat (WK), Devdutt Padikkal, R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep.
