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Kohli, Bumrah Opt Out; Jadeja In Focus As Indian Players Practice Before 2nd Test

image-lqrvtqc5India lost the first Test in Centurion [AP]

Amidst the challenges of a disheartening loss by an innings and 32 runs against South Africa in the Boxing Day Test, coupled with the subsequent loss of two more World Test Championship (WTC) points due to a slow over rate, Team India finds a glimmer of hope in the potential return of Ravindra Jadeja. 

The spin-bowling all-rounder, who missed the series opener in Centurion due to an upper back spasm that emerged on the morning of Day 1, is now on the path to recovery and is most likely to be available for selection in the upcoming New Year's Test in Cape Town.

As reported by RevSportz, Jadeja joined the Indian team for an optional practice session in Centurion, signalling positive signs regarding his fitness. Notably, other key players such as Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj opted out of the optional net session.

Since his scintillating century in England last year, Jadeja has consistently been the preferred choice at No.7, primarily due to his superior batting skills in overseas conditions. However, the absence of Jadeja in the first Test forced India to rely on premier spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. 

While Ashwin performed reasonably well with the ball, taking 1 for 41 in 19 overs under unfavourable spin conditions, Jadeja's absence was particularly felt in the batting department. The left-hander's adeptness at handling the pace and bounce of South African fast bowlers could have been instrumental in bolstering India's batting lineup.

With four days remaining until the second and final Test in Cape Town, there is a strong possibility of Jadeja making a comeback. However, rather than replacing Ashwin, the team management may opt to play both Ashwin and Jadeja. 

Considering Shardul Thakur's commendable performance as the fourth seamer, having both spinners in the lineup would provide stability and allow Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah to launch attacks from the other end.

In addition to Jadeja's potential return, India has called up Avesh Khan, who is already in South Africa with the India A team, as a replacement for the injured Mohammed Shami. 

This could reshape India's bowling attack in the next Test, featuring two spinners and three seamers. Furthermore, the Cape Town pitch is expected to be more favourable for spinners as the match progresses.

The second and decisive Test of the series is scheduled to commence on January 3. India must secure a victory to level the series, as any misstep would result in conceding the series to South Africa.