The three top guns of Indian cricket got together immediately after the last ball was bowled in IND vs ENG 2nd Test. Ajit Agarkar joined Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma. With the series in balance at 1-1, chief selector Agarkar needs to announce the squad for the remaining three India vs England Tests this week. However, there are a few injury updates and concerns to address for the three former teammates. Virat Kohli remains the biggest question.
- Concern 1: Should Shreyas Iyer, KS Bharat be released to play Ranji Trophy?
- Concern 2: Injuries of KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja
- Concern 3: When is Virat Kohli returning?
Rani Trophy or break?
Shreyas Iyer and KS Bharat are walking on thin ice at the moment. The only reason both still have a place in India’s playing XI is due to the absence of Virat Kohli and KL Rahul.
With a 9-day gap between IND vs ENG 2nd & 3rd Test, there will be a Ranji Trophy match starting Feb 9. It will be over by Feb 12, giving the players enough time to rejoin the India squad.
The likes of Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer, Shubman Gill, KS Bharat and Rajat Patidar can get some quality competitive practice before the 3rd Test.
England Cricket Team will move to Abu Dhabi once again for a short camp. And if Rahul Dravid is not looking at a short camp again, Ajit Agarkar can ask the Indian stars to go back and play domestic to regain form. Runs in Ranji Trophy could help in Rajkot.
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Injury updates
The other concern is injury. KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja are both injured besides Mohammed Shami. While Shami is out of the IND vs ENG Test series, selectors are waiting for an update on the duo. As things stand, Rahul will be fit to play. But the National Cricket Academy (NCA) is yet to clear Jadeja.
Hence, sending players to Ranji Trophy for match practice may backfire. If Iyer gets injured, India will have to depend on Sarfaraz Khan. Dhruv Jurel is likely to replace KS Bharat as wicketkeeper. But with Ishan Kishan nursing an injury, Rahul Dravid may not take the risk.
When is Virat Kohli returning?
However, the biggest concern is Virat Kohli. The batting mainstay is currently spending time with his wife Anushka Sharma as the couple expects birth of their second child.
Kohli pulled out from the first two Tests. BCCI still expects Virat Kohli to return for the IND vs ENG 3rd Test. But will he? If he does not return or 3rd Test, India will have to stick with Shreyas Iyer for one more game.
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