In a significant setback for Team India, star batter KL Rahul and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja have been ruled out of the second Test against England, scheduled to begin on Friday in Vizag. The duo’s absence comes after India found themselves trailing 0-1 in the ongoing five-match series, following a 28-run defeat in the series opener in Hyderabad.
Ravindra Jadeja sustained a hamstring injury during the fourth day of the first Test in Hyderabad, while KL Rahul complained of a right quadriceps pain. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) released a statement confirming their unavailability for the upcoming Test.
“Mr. Ravindra Jadeja and Mr. KL Rahul have been ruled out of the second IDFC First Bank Test against England in Vizag, starting February 02, 2024. Jadeja sustained a hamstring injury during play on Day 4 of the first Test in Hyderabad while Rahul complained of a right quadriceps pain. The BCCI Medical Team is monitoring the progress of the duo,” stated the BCCI release.
In response to these injuries, the Men’s Selection Committee has made additions to the squad, including Sarfaraz Khan, Sourabh Kumar, and Washington Sundar. The inclusion of these players aims to strengthen the team, which is currently trailing in the series with three more games to play after the Vizag Test.
“Sarfaraz Khan, Sourabh Kumar, and Washington Sundar have been added to India’s squad,” the BCCI statement added.
The Men's Selection Committee have added Sarfaraz Khan, Sourabh Kumar and Washington Sundar to India's squad.#INDvENG https://t.co/xgxI8NsxpV
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 29, 2024
Sarfaraz Khan and Washington Sundar were part of the India A squad for a three-match Test series against England Lions. Sarfaraz impressed with a brilliant knock of 161, contributing to India A’s victory over England Lions by an innings and 16 runs in the second Test in Ahmedabad. Washington Sundar showcased his all-round skills, taking two wickets and scoring a half-century in the same match.
The BCCI also clarified that pacer Avesh Khan will continue to travel with his Ranji Trophy team, Madhya Pradesh, and will join the Test squad if required. As India seeks to bounce back in the series, the absence of KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja adds a layer of challenge for the team in the upcoming Test battles against England.
India’s updated Squad for 2nd Test vs England: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, KS Bharat (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Avesh Khan, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Washington Sundar, Sourabh Kumar.
