(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] In a setback for the Rohit Sharma-led Indian team, star batsman KL Rahul and premier all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja have been officially ruled out of the second Test against England, scheduled to commence on 2nd February in Visakhapatnan. This follows England’s victory in the series-opener at Hyderabad.
Jadeja’s absence in the second Test was expected as he sustained a hamstring injury after being run-out by England captain Ben Stokes. On the other hand, Rahul’s exclusion due to right quadriceps pain came as an unexpected blow for the side.
According to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Jadeja, who significantly contributed with 89 runs and five wickets in the first Test, sustained his injury during play on Day 4. Similarly, Rahul, who amassed a combined total of 108 runs in the match, complained of right quadriceps pain leading to his exclusion from the second 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,” said BCCI in a statement released on Monday.
To address the void left by the injured players, the men’s selection committee has announced replacements in the form of Washington Sundar, along with two uncapped players Sourabh Kumar and Sarfaraz Khan.
Sarfaraz, with an impressive first-class cricket average of 69.85, has finally earned a spot in the senior men’s Test team after consistently performing well in the domestic circuit. His recent performances for India A against England Lions, where he scored a half-century in the second unofficial Test and a stunning 161 runs off 160 balls in the next, played a crucial role in his selection.
Washington and Sourabh, who have also been representing India A, showcased their capabilities in the second unofficial test. Sundar contributed with 57 runs and two wickets, while Sourabh scored 77 runs and claimed six wickets, including a fifer in the second innings.
While Sundar has been added into the Test team from India A squad, Saransh Jain has been announced his replacement for the third and last unofficial Test against England Lions.
“The Men’s Selection Committee have added Sarfaraz Khan, Sourabh Kumar and Washington Sundar to India’s squad. Saransh Jain has been named as a replacement for Washington Sundar in the India A squad for the third and final multi-day game against England Lions starting February 1, 2024 in Ahmedabad,” BCCI added.