Rahul Ruled Out, Jadeja’s Status Unclear
India’s preparations for the crucial 3rd Test against England hit a snag as KL Rahul was ruled out due to injury. To add to the team’s worries, Ravindra Jadeja’s participation remains uncertain, pending medical clearance. These uncertainties leave the team management with several key decisions to make regarding the playing XI.
Spin Department: Kuldeep vs. Axar?
If Jadeja is fit, he’ll automatically reclaim his spot, leaving Axar Patel or Kuldeep Yadav on the bench. Considering Kuldeep’s economical performance and crucial wickets in the 2nd Test, he might hold the edge. In Jadeja’s absence, the spin trio of Kuldeep, Axar, and Ashwin would remain unchanged.
Sarfaraz Khan’s Debut Looms?
Shreyas Iyer’s exclusion due to poor form had opened the door for Rahul, but his injury paves the way for Sarfaraz Khan. The consistent Ranji Trophy performer seems poised to earn his maiden Test cap in Rajkot. Devdutt Padikkal, another in-form batsman, is also in contention as Rahul’s replacement.
Wicketkeeping Conundrum: Bharat or Jurel?
With Rishabh Pant unavailable and Ishan Kishan recovering from a break, KS Bharat hasn’t capitalized on his chance to solidify his position. His underwhelming performance might open the door for Dhruv Jurel, who impressed in recent matches against England Lions and South Africa A.
Key Decisions to Make
The team management faces crucial decisions:
- Will Jadeja be fit enough to play?
- Who replaces Rahul in the batting order: Sarfaraz or Padikkal?
- Do they stick with Bharat or gamble on Jurel for wicketkeeping duties?
These choices will significantly impact India’s batting depth and bowling attack, making the 3rd Test selection process a challenging one.
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