With the absence of key players Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul, India is set to face a challenging situation in the upcoming second Test in Visakhapatnam against England. The setback comes following India’s defeat in the series opener in Hyderabad.
The injury to Jadeja unfolded on Day 4 of the Hyderabad Test when he suffered a hamstring injury while attempting a quick single during India’s second innings. A direct hit from Ben Stokes left Jadeja short of the crease, and the all-rounder was visibly seen clutching his hamstring. Scans conducted subsequently confirmed his unavailability for the second test.
In tandem with Jadeja’s absence, wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul has been ruled out due to complaints of right quadriceps pain. It’s worth noting that India is already playing without former skipper and star batter Virat Kohli. Kohli withdrew his name from the squad before the first game due to a family emergency.
Sarfaraz Khan gets his maiden test call
In response to these setbacks, the selection committee has made strategic additions to the squad. Star Mumbai batter Sarfaraz Khan, Saurabh Kumar, and all-rounder Washington Sundar have been drafted in for the second Test. All three players have been actively involved in the ongoing series against the England Lions as part of the India A side.
Sarfaraz Khan, in particular, brings with him the momentum of a spectacular 160-ball 161 in the second unofficial Test against the England Lions, featuring an impressive tally of 18 fours and 5 sixes. Saurabh Kumar played a crucial role in securing an innings victory for India A, contributing with a five-wicket haul in the second innings.
Simultaneously, the India A squad sees a change as Madhya Pradesh’s Saransh Jain steps in to replace Washington Sundar for the third match commencing on February 1 in Ahmedabad. Avesh Khan, currently with his Ranji side, Madhya Pradesh, remains on standby and will join the Test squad if needed.
As the Indian team navigates these unforeseen challenges, the inclusion of fresh talent in Sarfaraz Khan, Saurabh Kumar, and the versatile Washington Sundar aims to bolster the squad and address the gaps left by Jadeja and Rahul. The second Test in Visakhapatnam promises to be a crucial encounter, with the team striving to bounce back from their initial setback in the series.
India squad for the 2nd game: 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, Saurabh Kumar
