The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced India’s squad for the last three Tests of the five-match series against England, on Saturday. India’s run-machine, Virat Kohli won’t be part of the remaining three Tests.
Earlier, he withdrew from the first two Test matches, citing personal reasons. As per a recent report by Indian Express, it has now been learned that Kohli himself informed BCCI and the senior selection panel that he won’t be taking part in the entire series.
The exact reason behind his absence is yet to be known. Meanwhile, the likes of KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja make their way back into the squad. The duo missed out on the second Test due to their respective injuries.
Jadeja, Kohli Not Available, Akashdeep Earns Maiden Callup
Jadeja was ruled out of the second Test due to a hamstring injury, while KL Rahul had trouble with a quadriceps strain. Much to the respite of the Indian team, both of them have recovered in time and will be available for the rest of the three Tests.
Besides, Bengal’s Akash Deep has received a maiden India Test call-up after his impressive show for India A against England Lions. Middle-order batter, Shreyas Iyer misses out from the squad.
There are various reports which suggest that Iyer has been feeling discomfort in his back and groin area, while some reports claim that he has been dropped from the side.
Shreyas Iyer played both the Tests in the ongoing series but didn’t make favourable returns. His scores in the four innings he batted read: 35, 13, 27, and 29.
Indian pacer Mohammad Siraj makes his return to the squad after being rested for the second Test. Besides, Sarfaraz Khan has been retained in the squad for the remaining three Tests as well.
India has the option of as many as five spinners present in the squad, namely Ravichandran Ashwin, Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar.
In the absence of Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav played the second Test along with Ashwin and Axar Patel.
Kuldeep Yadav claimed four wickets, while Axar Patel claimed two. It will be interesting to see who gets the nod for the third spinner in the side for the third Test match.
India’s squad for the final three Tests against England
Squad: Rohit Sharma (C), Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul*, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (WK), KS Bharat (WK), R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja*, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep
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