India's all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, sidelined from the second Test against England due to a hamstring injury, is now facing the possibility of missing the third Test in Rajkot from February 15, according to recent reports. The severity of Jadeja's hamstring injury seems greater than initially expected, raising doubts about his availability even for the fourth Test in Ranchi.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially confirmed Jadeja's absence from the second Test. India, currently trailing 0-1 in the five-match series, is grappling with potential absences of key players, including Virat Kohli, K.L Rahul, and Mohammed Shami.
Shami, dealing with an ankle issue, is undergoing treatments and injections in London, making his participation in the ongoing Test series uncertain and casting doubt on his readiness for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) scheduled for March to May.
Virat Kohli's status remains uncertain, as the BCCI initially stated his withdrawal was limited to the first two Tests. However, Kohli's absence from the country adds a layer of mystery to the situation. In contrast, K.L Rahul's situation, linked to right quadriceps pain following a 2022 thigh surgery, appears less alarming. Rahul is presently at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), and signs indicate potential recovery in time for the third Test, considering the significant gap between the second and third Tests. The evolving scenario adds intrigue to India's team dynamics in the ongoing series against England.
(With Agency Inputs)
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