Ind vs Eng, 3rd Test: In a significant setback for the Indian cricket team, the upcoming Rajkot Test against England is poised to witness the absence of key players, with all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja likely to be ruled out due to a persistent hamstring injury, according to reports from Cricbuzz. The team, already grappling with a slew of injuries and withdrawals, finds itself in a more challenging position than initially anticipated.
The second Test against England, scheduled to commence in Visakhapatnam on Friday, will lack crucial contributors such as Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, and Mohammed Shami. This depletion of talent may extend to the remaining three Tests, with only a few exceptions. The Indian team, currently trailing one-nil in the five-Test series, confronts the formidable challenge of taking on England without some of its regular players under the leadership of Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid.
Ravindra Jadeja visits NCA Due to prolonged hamstring injury; set to miss 3rd Test against England: Reports
Insiders reveal that Jadeja’s hamstring injury may necessitate a more prolonged recovery period than initially indicated. Typically, healing for hamstring issues takes four to eight weeks, casting doubt on his fitness for the fourth Test in Ranchi scheduled from February 23 to 27. Consequently, Jadeja is almost certain to miss the third Test in his hometown of Rajkot. While the recent BCCI media release mentions his absence only for the second Test, speculations arise about his availability for the subsequent matches.
Mohammed Shami’s current situation is equally grim. The pacer is contending with an ankle issue during landing, and although details about surgery remain undisclosed, he is reportedly undergoing treatments with injections in London. His participation in any match of the ongoing five-Test series appears highly unlikely, leaving questions about his readiness for the Indian Premier League (IPL) scheduled for March to May.
The situation surrounding Virat Kohli remains shrouded in silence, with the BCCI respecting his privacy. Initially declared unavailable for the first two Tests, Kohli’s status remains uncertain, adding to the team’s concerns.
On a relatively brighter note, KL Rahul’s condition seems less alarming. The batsman, experiencing right quadriceps pain related to a thigh surgery in 2022, is currently undergoing treatment at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), much like Jadeja. The BCCI, taking precautions due to Rahul’s crucial role in the batting lineup, expects him to recover in time for the third Test, scheduled to commence on February 15.
As Ravindra Jadeja touches down at the NCA following his hamstring injury, the team will have to rely on replacements to make a comeback in the series amidst the challenges posed by the absence of key players.
Also read: Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul ruled out of Team India for second Test against England
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