BCCI delays announcing India Test squad, attributed to Bumrah, Rahul, Jadeja.
The BCCI selectors are well-informed regarding Virat Kohli’s situation. Any potential delay in announcing the squad could be attributed to Bumrah, Rahul, and Jadeja.
The Ajit Agarkar-led BCCI selection committee was scheduled to convene virtually on Thursday to finalize India’s squad for the remaining three Tests against England. It remains unclear whether the meeting occurred, but a Cricbuzz report suggests the possibility of the selection gathering extending to Friday due to the absence of certain key individuals. It is anticipated that captain Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid will also participate in the meeting to offer their insights. Another perspective suggests that the delay in announcing India’s squad for the third, fourth, and fifth Tests is unrelated to Virat Kohli.
According to a statement from a BCCI official reported by The Indian Express, Kohli has not provided the board with his return date yet. However, it is now widely believed that the former captain will not be available for the third and fourth Tests in Rajkot and Ranchi, respectively. A decision regarding his participation in the final Test will be made later. Nonetheless, it appears improbable that Kohli will feature in the series.
Both the selectors and the team management are well-informed regarding Kohli’s situation. Any potential delay in announcing the squad could be attributed to Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, and Ravindra Jadeja. There is no rush for the selectors to finalize the squad, particularly since the third Test is still almost a week away.
Jasprit Bumrah likely to play 3rd Test, discussion on workload after that
The idea of giving Bumrah a rest for the third Test was considered by the team management. However, given the events of the first two Tests, there seems to have been a shift in that decision. The selectors now prefer Bumrah to participate in Rajkot, where another flat batting surface is anticipated for India and England. Mohammed Siraj is anticipated to rejoin the XI after being rested for the second Test. Nevertheless, replacing Bumrah’s abilities on an unresponsive pitch, particularly when the series is evenly balanced, might pose a significant challenge even for the talented right-arm seamer.
Bumrah has delivered 58 overs in the initial two Tests, claiming 15 wickets. His inclusion in the Indian XI significantly impacts the team’s performance, hence, the team management desires his participation in the third Test. However, the ultimate decision will only be made following a discussion with Bumrah, following a thorough review of the detailed medical report from the BCCI medical team regarding the fast bowler’s workload.
KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja’s fitness reports awaited
The fitness updates for Rahul and Jadeja are currently pending. Rahul missed the second Test due to a quadriceps injury, while Jadeja was sidelined due to a hamstring issue. Both players are said to be nearing full recovery after undergoing rehabilitation at the NCA in Bengaluru, but the conclusive reports are still pending.
On Wednesday night, Jadeja did utilize social media to convey a positive update. However, whether both players are sufficiently fit to participate in the third Test is yet to be determined.
In the absence of Kohli, both Rahul and Jadeja assume significant roles in an inexperienced middle order. India’s batting performance in this series has primarily relied on individual brilliance. With the exception of Yashasvi Jaiswal, the consistency of other batsmen has been lacking. While Shubman Gill’s century in the second innings in Visakhapatnam provided relief for India, concerns persist over Shreyas Iyer’s form.
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