With the series against England tied at 1-1, India squad for the remaining three Tests will be out sometime this week. The big update is regarding Virat Kohli. The talisman missed the first two IND vs ENG Tests. And now, the absence will extend to Rajkot and Ranchi Tests. With the India vs England 3rd Test starting on Feb 15, Mohammed Siraj will return with an update still awaited on KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja, who missed the Vizag Test with injuries.
Virat Kohli to extend absence
As per an ESPN Cricinfo report, Virat Kohli will continue to be absent as he is spending time with wife Anushka Sharma who is expecting her second child.
And as family comes first for Virat Kohli, the superstar will miss at least the next two Tests with return unclear in the IND vs ENG 5th Test in Dharamsala.
While official confirmation regarding Virat Kohli return to India Squad is awaited, reports suggest he is currently abroad.
Coach Rahul Dravid has indicated the team management will connect with him to assess his availability.
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Jasprit Bumrah on break?
Jasprit Bumrah, the hero of the second Test with his match-winning nine wickets, might be granted a well-deserved break for the Rajkot Test as per Cricbuzz.
The selectors, wary of workload management, are considering resting him. They want to ensure he’s fully rejuvenated for the final two matches. Mohammed Siraj is all set to return in his absence.
Rahul & Siraj to return
The good news is that KL Rahul will bolster the ailing middle-order batting. The Karnataka dasher missed out on Vizag Test owing to a hamstring niggle. However, he is expected to be fit by the Rajkot Test. Another big update is regarding Mohammed Siraj. The pacer got a break from the Vizag Test. But he will return as well.
There is a question mark on Ravindra Jadeja’s return though. The selectors are expecting a fitness assessment report from the NCA and there will be more clarity aftwerwards.
