Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul are set to be absent from the upcoming second Test against England, which is slated to start on February 2 in Visakhapatnam. To strengthen the team, India has added middle-order batsman Sarfaraz Khan, left-arm spinner Saurabh Kumar, and all-rounder Washington Sundar to the squad.
Now according to a recent report of Times Of India, Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja can be ruled out from the whole Test Series. The severity of the injury depends on the report of the medical team from the National Cricket Academy. On the other hand, KL Rahul might join the team after a match or two.
The challenge for India becomes more substantial with the non-availability of Jadeja and Rahul, along with Virat Kohli’s prior withdrawal due to personal reasons. This situation adds complexity as India seeks to bounce back from their 28-run loss in the first Test.
Jadeja suffered a hamstring injury on the fourth day of the initial Test in Hyderabad, while Rahul encountered discomfort in his right quadriceps, as verified by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Jadeja’s significant contributions in the opening Test, showcasing prowess both as a batsman and a bowler, amplify the impact of his absence. The potential inclusion of the uncapped Rajat Patidar to fill Rahul’s spot in the middle order adds another dimension. However, getting a player who can replace Ravindra Jadeja will be a huge challenge for the team management.
