As the cricketing world gears up for the fourth Test match between India and England in Ranchi starting from February 23, anticipation is high for what promises to be another intriguing clash in this enthralling series. With India holding a 2-1 lead and eyeing to seal the series, several key developments have emerged regarding the composition of India’s playing XI for the upcoming encounter.
KL Rahul Set to Return
One of the significant updates ahead of the Ranchi Test is the return of KL Rahul to the Indian squad. Rahul, who missed the second and third Tests due to a quadriceps strain, is poised to make a comeback. Despite being named in the squad for the last three Tests, Rahul was unable to participate in the Rajkot Test due to incomplete recovery from his injury setback. However, with his fitness now at 90 percent, the team management deems him fit enough to contribute, providing a substantial boost to India’s middle-order batting lineup.
Bumrah Likely To Be Rested
In a strategic move aimed at managing workload and ensuring player fitness, premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is likely to be rested for the fourth Test. Bumrah, who has been the leading wicket-taker in the ongoing series with 17 wickets in three matches, played a pivotal role in India’s recent triumph in Rajkot. However, with an eye on the future and a busy cricketing calendar ahead, the team management has opted to give him some much-needed rest. This decision opens up opportunities for other bowlers to step up and fill the void left by Bumrah’s absence.
Also Read: Explained: Why Team India is Wearing Black Armbands on Day 3 of India vs England 3rd Test
Axar Patel Might Be Return
In light of Bumrah’s absence and the conditions expected in Ranchi, the inclusion of Axar Patel as an additional spinner is on the cards. Axar Patel’s prowess with the ball, coupled with his ability to contribute with the bat, makes him a valuable asset to the team, especially on pitches favoring spin bowling. Alongside seasoned campaigners like Ravindra Jadeja and Ravi Ashwin, Axar Patel could play a crucial role in India’s bowling strategy for the Ranchi Test.
Here is India’s predicted playing XI for the fourth Test against England at Ranchi:
1. Yashasvi Jaiswal
2. Rohit Sharma (c)
3. Shubman Gill
4. Sarfaraz Khan
5. KL Rahul
6. Ravindra Jadeja
7. Dhruv Jurel (wk)
8. Ravi Ashwin
9. Axar Patel
10. Kuldeep Yadav
11. Mohammed Siraj