Virat Kohli To Miss; BCCI Awaits Rahul, Jadeja's Fitness Reports For Test Squad Announcement
KL Rahul & Ravindra Jadeja missed the second Test (AP Photo)
The Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) selection committee, led by Ajit Agrakar, was initially slated to convene virtually on Thursday to finalise the Indian squad for the upcoming three Tests against England.
India squad for England Tests to be announced on Friday
However, due to the absence of some key figures, the meeting's occurrence remains uncertain, with reports suggesting a possible push to Friday. Notably, Indian captain Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid are expected to contribute their insights to the deliberations.
Amidst speculation, the delay in announcing the squad for the third, fourth, and fifth Tests appears unrelated to Virat Kohli's availability.
According to The Indian Express, a BCCI official has indicated that Kohli has not yet communicated his return date, putting doubt on his participation in the third and fourth Tests in Rajkot and Ranchi. His involvement in the final Test remains undecided, further complicating the selection process.
The selection committee's hesitation is attributed to uncertainties surrounding key players Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, and Ravindra Jadeja rather than Kohli's situation. Meanwhile, it is understood that Shreyas Iyer has likely ruled out of the remainder of the Test series against England.
Jasprit Bumrah's potential inclusion in the Rajkot Test has become a focal point for the team management after his impressive performance in the series' opening matches. Despite initial considerations for rest, Bumrah's stunning performances in the series highilight his importance to the team's prospects. A decision regarding his participation will hinge on a comprehensive assessment of his physical condition by the BCCI's medical team.
Meanwhile, the fitness of KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja remains under scrutiny. Both players missed the second Test due to injuries but have been rehabilitating at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. While Jadeja hinted at a positive recovery update via social media, their readiness for the third Test is yet to be confirmed.
In the absence of Kohli, the onus falls on Rahul and Jadeja to bolster an inexperienced middle order, which has relied heavily on individual performances this series. The batting lineup, despite Shubman Gill's century and Yashasvi Jaiswal's contributions, faces challenges, particularly with Shreyas Iyer's form under the scanner.
As the BCCI selection committee navigates these considerations, the cricket community eagerly awaits the final squad announcement for the crucial matches ahead in the India-England Test series.
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