Xtra Time Web Desk: With the five match test series between India and England levelled at 1-1, the focus now shifts to India’s team selection for the remaining three tests in Rajkot, Ranchi and Dharamshala. Selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar was seen having a discussion with Indian captain Rohit Sharma and Head Coach Rahul Dravid following the 106 runs win in the second test at Vizag on Monday.
The Indian team management and selectors are yet to hear from Virat Kohli about his availability in the remainder of the test series. Kohli decided to take a break from the first two test matches citing personal reasons. Rahul Dravid during the post-match press conference did mention connecting with Kohli to determine his availability for the remaining series.
KL Rahul who did not play in the second test in Vizag after complaining of a pain in right quadriceps is likely to get fit for the third test which begins in Rajkot from February 15. All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja looks likely to be missing the remainder of the test series. The left-hander injured his hamstring while trying to take a quick single on Day 4 of the first test in Hyderabad.
If both Virat Kohli and KL Rahul makes themselves available, they will straightaway walk into the playing XI for the third test match. In that case the axe may fall on Rajat Patidar and out-of-form Shreyas Iyer. If Virat is unavailable then Shreyas might keep his place in the playing XI.
There were some talks about Jasprit Bumrah, the standout performer in the second Test in Visakhapatnam, may be rested for the third Test in Rajkot, as contemplated by national selectors in consultation with the team management. Bumrah’s exceptional display, earning him the player of the match title with nine wickets for 91 runs, has prompted consideration for his well-deserved break to ensure peak performance in the final two Tests. But with 10 days break between the second and third test, Bumrah will have enough rest to recover in time for the Rajkot test.
Pacer Mohammed Siraj, too received a similar break in the second Test and is anticipated to be back for the remaining three test matches. The selection committee is likely to announce the squad for the remaining three tests on Wednesday.
For more sports news: Click here