Xtra Time Web Desk: Team India’s middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer is facing the prospect of missing the last three Test matches against England due to an injury. According to reports, Iyer has complained of stiffness in the back and pain in the groin area, particularly while playing forward defence, raising doubts about his participation in the remaining three tests of the series. Adding to the uncertainty, Iyer’s playing equipment was sent to his home in Mumbai instead of being flown directly to Rajkot, the venue for the third Test starting on February 15.
Shreyas had a poor run with the bat in the first two test matches. The star batter had registered scores of 27, 29, 35, and 13 in the series. He has failed to surpass the 50-run mark in his last 13 innings. The selection committee, headed by Ajit Agarkar, was expected to announce the squad for the remaining three Tests on Friday.
The selectors are awaiting clearances from NCA medical staffs about KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja. Both had to miss the second test match in Vizag due to injuries. Jadeja injured his hamstring while taking a quick single on Day four of the first test match in Hyderabad while KL Rahul complained of a pain in right quadriceps. But the good news is both Rahul and Jadeja has responded well to their rehab at NCA.
Meanwhile, Iyer is likely to undergo further tests at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bangalore, with hopes of returning to competitive cricket in time for the Indian Premier League (IPL) next month. It’s worth noting that Iyer underwent surgery last year following a back injury.
If Iyer is ruled out, the selection committee will need to decide on his replacement. KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja, who missed the last Test due to injuries, are expected to return for the Rajkot Test. In such a scenario, there is speculation about whether Rajat Patidar, who made his debut in Vizag, will get another opportunity.
The Indian cricketers are currently enjoying a break after the second test in Vizag and will be assembling in Rajkot for the third test on February 11. The third test between India and England begins from February 15.
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