The announcement of India’s squad for the remaining three Tests against England, and several factors may be contributing to the delay. The Ajit Agarkar-led BCCI selection committee was expected to meet virtually to finalize the squad, but the meeting might have been delayed, possibly to Friday. This delay could be attributed to the absence of key personalities, including captain Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid, who are expected to share their inputs during the selection process.
While there is speculation about Virat Kohli’s availability, a BCCI official mentioned that Kohli has not yet informed the board about his return date. However, it is suggested that Kohli is unlikely to be available for the third and fourth Tests in Rajkot and Ranchi, with a decision on his participation in the final Test yet to be made.
The report also suggests that the delay in announcing the squad might not be primarily related to Kohli but could be linked to other players such as Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, and Ravindra Jadeja. The selectors and team management may not be in a rush to make the announcement, especially considering the third Test is still a week away.
In summary, the situation is marked by uncertainty, with multiple factors, including the availability of key players and the desire for thorough consideration, potentially contributing to the delay in announcing India’s squad for the upcoming Tests against England.
Jasprit Bumrah for the third Test:
There is a shift in the initial contemplation of resting Jasprit Bumrah for the third Test. Despite the consideration, the team management now appears inclined to have Bumrah play in Rajkot, where the conditions are expected to favor batting. This decision is likely influenced by the series being evenly poised, and the selectors view Bumrah’s skills as crucial, especially on unresponsive tracks.
Mohammed Siraj is anticipated to return to the playing XI after being rested for the second Test, but replacing Bumrah on such pitches could prove challenging. Bumrah has been a key performer, delivering 15 wickets in 58 overs during the first two Tests, making his presence significant for the Indian team.
The final decision on Bumrah’s participation in the third Test will be made after discussions with the fast bowler and a thorough examination of the detailed medical report on his workload from the BCCI medical team. This approach suggests a careful consideration of player workload management to ensure the team’s performance while prioritizing the player’s health.
KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja for the upcoming Test:
The availability of KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja for the upcoming Test is uncertain, as their fitness reports are still pending. Rahul missed the second Test due to a quadriceps injury, while Jadeja was ruled out with a hamstring injury. Both players have reportedly been working on their fitness at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, but the final assessments are yet to be received.
Jadeja shared a positive update on social media, indicating progress in his recovery. However, it remains to be seen if both players will be fit enough to participate in the third Test.
In the absence of Virat Kohli, the presence of Rahul and Jadeja becomes crucial, especially in a relatively inexperienced middle order. India’s batting in the series has relied largely on individual performances, with only Yashasvi Jaiswal showing consistency. Shubman Gill’s century in the second innings of the previous Test provided relief, but the form of Shreyas Iyer remains a concern. The team management will likely be eager to have Rahul and Jadeja back to strengthen the batting lineup for the upcoming Test.
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