With the IND vs ENG Test series locked at 1-1, it’s time for a final push for India Cricket Team in the three remaining Tests. But with injury crisis still hurting Rohit Sharma & Co, Rahul Dravid is all set to hand debuts to Sarfaraz Khan and wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel. The good news is that Ravindra Jadeja is all set to return to India Playing XI for 3rd Test in Rajkot starting Feb 15.
Ravindra Jadeja missed the 2nd Test with a hamstring strain. However, he has recovered and is raring to go at his home Test in Rajkot.
Two debutants in Rajkot?
With KL Rahul ruled out in of IND vs ENG 3rd Test and Shreyas Iyer dropped from the side, India need a batter. Rajat Patidar made his debut in the last match. And, now it’s time for Sarfaraz Khan. The Mumbaikar has done enough domestic cricket to finally break down the door. And now, it’s his chance.
The second debutant is likely to Dhruv Jurel in India Playing XI. With KS Bharat failing to impress with the bat, averaging only 20.09 after 12 innings, it maybe time for a change. Young Dhruv Jurel has been warming the bench and with his aggressive batting approach at No 6, he could be a real asset.
During India’s practice in Rajkot, it was Dhruv Jurel who had a long keeping session with slip cordon in place. And going by that, he is likely to get the Test cap.
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Bowling combination
While the team management does not need a lot of deliberation on the batting front, they do need in bowling department. The pitch for IND vs ENG 3rd Test seems to be a great batting wicket.
That’s where India may need two seamers to attack the England batters instead of spin-heay bowling attack. Furthermore, with Ravindra Jadeja coming back in India Playing XI, someone has to make way. It is likely that Kuldeep Yadav will have to make way for Jadeja.
In the pace department, if India go with two seamers, Mohammed Siraj will replace Mukesh Kumar to partner with Jasprit Bumrah. The premier pacer missed the practice on Tuesday. But he is expected to join the squad on Wednesday. Siraj also got a special batting session from Rohit Sharma. Hence, he could be ahead in terms of pecking order.
Predicted India Playing XI
- Rohit Sharma
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Shubman Gill
- Rajat Patidar
- Sarfaraz Khan
- Dhruv Jurel (WK)
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Axar Patel
- Ravichandran Ashwin
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammed Siraj
India squad for 3rd Test
Rohit Sharma (C), Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (WK), KS Bharat (WK), R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep
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