Jadeja, Rahul to miss India-England 2nd Test; replacements announced
In another blow to the Indian cricket team, senior players Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul have been ruled out of the 2nd Test against England, starting February 2 in Vizag. While Jadeja sustained a hamstring injury in the opener, Rahul complained of right quadriceps pain. Meanwhile, Sarfaraz Khan, Saurabh Kumar, and Washington Sundar have been drafted to India's squad. Here are further details.
Why does this story matter?
The absence of Jadeja and Rahul adds on to India's miseries after they lost the 1st Test in Hyderabad. India are already without their senior batter Virat Kohli, who was supposed to miss the first two Tests due to personal reasons. India, who haven't lost a home Test series in over a decade, would want to bounce back in Vizag.
Jadeja sustained a hamstring injury
Jadeja sustained a hamstring injury during Day 4 of 1st Test. He looked in visible discomfort after being run out by England skipper Ben Stokes in the final innings. With Jadeja being a proven all-rounder, his absence would hamper the balance of the team. He scored a brilliant 87 in India's first innings and picked up five wickets throughout the match.
What about the replacements?
The BCCI has roped in batter Sarfaraz Khan, left-arm spinner Saurabh Kumar, and all-rounder Washington Sundar. Sarfaraz, who averages over 69 in 45 First-Class games, smashed a 160-ball 161 in India A's recent win over England Lions. Saurabh took a fifer in the same match. He has been a part of India's Test squad before. Besides, Sundar could be a perfect replacement for Jadeja.
India's squad for 2nd Test
India's squad for 2nd Test: Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, KS Bharat (wicket-keeper), Dhruv Jurel (wicket-keeper), Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah (vice-captain), Avesh Khan, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Washington Sundar, and Sourabh Kumar.
