Team India's Selection Dilemmas and Injury Updates Ahead of Remaining England Tests

KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja are part of the 17-man team for the three remaining Test matches against England, but they will need to pass their fitness tests in order to be considered for the starting XI. On February 15, the third Test gets underway in Rajkot.

It was stated on Saturday by Jay Shah, secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), that Virat Kohli would "remain unavailable for selection for the remainder of the series due to personal reasons."


On February 6, The Telegraph stated that Kohli will not be playing in any Test matches and that there was little likelihood of his changing his decision. Before the series started, he had communicated his decision to the team management and selectors in Hyderabad.

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar reportedly talked with Kohli on Friday, but the former captain once again acknowledged his incapacity. For the first time in his career, Kohli will not be taking part in a home series. The matches in Rajkot, Ranchi, and Dharamsala take on more importance now that the series is tied at one.

Shreyas Iyer has been omitted, while Bengal pacer Akash Deep has been rewarded for his excellent effort for India A against the England Lions. The middle-order hitter will be receiving rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) after informing the Board of back discomfort.

It was discovered that Iyer has to participate in the Ranji Trophy in order to be considered for red-ball cricket, even if the medical staff has not issued any alarms. However, as there are no Test matches scheduled after the current series, Iyer may immediately start leading KKR in the Indian Premier League.

Iyer did not perform well in the two Test matches that he played against England (35 and 13 in Hyderabad and 27 and 29 in Visakhapatnam), and the selectors had already given him a long rope. Known for his weaknesses when it comes to short delivery, he has also had trouble abroad.

Although Rahul's right quadriceps soreness seems to have completely healed, the medical staff is not taking any risks since he underwent surgery in the same region over nine months before. His prospects will depend on how he handles the Rajkot practice sessions.

Jadeja's situation is a little bit unique. Although it typically takes a few weeks for a hamstring injury to recover, he was included because of his notable progress throughout the NCA's rehabilitation sessions. Jadeja's familiarity with his home ground's conditions is another factor in Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma's enthusiasm to field him.

Although Rahul and Jadeja will need to pass fitness tests, the team management is confident in their prospects. The two's presence will be essential to support the middle-order in Kohli's absence.

Along with Sarfaraz Khan, who is yet to get a cap, Rajat Patidar, who made his debut in Visakhapatnam and scored 32 and 9, has been kept on. Although Rahul will replace Iyer, it's unclear whether the think tank will use Jasprit Bumrah as their lone pacer.

Availability of Jadeja will determine this. Mukesh Kumar may give way to the all-round player if Jadeja is cleared, meaning India could start the game with four spinners. But in the event that Jadeja is unable to bowl, the lineup may stay the same.

Mohammed Shami is still not included in the team as he heals from an ankle injury. Although the team management is eager to have Bumrah play in Rajkot, concerns have been raised about the vice captain's workload.

With his reverse swing and yorkers, Bumrah has already taken nine wickets in Visakhapatnam, dealing a severe psychological blow to the English players. Looks at the wicket for the third Test are anticipated to lead to a final decision on Bumrah.

Now that Siraj is back in the team, he will replace Bumrah anytime the latter is rested throughout the series. Bumrah has participated in the discussions over his workload, and his opinions will be taken into account prior to making a decision.

Bumrah may very well be rested in Ranchi in order to keep him fresh for the last Test.

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