IND vs ENG: Ruturaj Gaikwad Ruled Out Of First Two Tests Against England, Abhimanyu Easwaran To Replace Him

Indian opener Ruturaj Gaikwad is reportedly set to miss the first two Tests of the upcoming five-match Test series against England. According to reports, Ruturaj Gaikwad is anticipated to recover and make himself available for selection in time for the third Test.

Ruturaj Gaikwad sustained an injury to his right ring finger while fielding in the second ODI against South Africa in Gqeberha, leading to his exclusion from the Test series against South Africa. Ruturaj was anticipated to recover in time for the upcoming Test series.

Ruturaj Gaikwad Is Recovering At The NCA – Reports

However, a report from The Times of India suggests that Ruturaj Gaikwad is expected to miss the first two Tests against England but may be available for the third match. Abhimanyu Easwaran is likely to be picked as a backup opener for the upcoming series.

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The report further mentioned that Gaikwad is undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy. The young opener is anticipated to be ready for action in the next week or 10 days. He is set to make a comeback by representing Maharashtra in the Ranji Trophy.

“Ruturaj is recovering at the National Cricket Academy and should be fit after a week or 10 days. He will subsequently be available for Maharashtra in the Ranji Trophy. He is likely to be available for selection after the second Test of the series,” a source was quoted as saying by TOI.

The 26-year-old batsman showcased his prowess with a century in the second T20I against Australia in November 2022. He has yet to make his Test debut for India. The upcoming series could offer him an opportunity to establish himself in the longer format.

Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal will be first-choice openers in the squad against England. Abhimanyu Easwaran is anticipated to assume the role of the backup opener. Easwaran is also part of the India ‘A’ squad for a four-day match against the England Lions.

India Is At Second Place In WTC 2023-25 Standings

The Indian team is scheduled to host England in their first home series in the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. The Red Ball series will kick off on January 25 in Hyderabad. The remaining matches are scheduled for Vizag, Rajkot, Ranchi, and Dharamsala.

The Rohit Sharma-led team is in second place in the WTC standings, with a points percentage of 54.17 after four matches. The Pat Cummins-led Australia are in the top spot, with a points percentage of 56.25 after eight matches in the ongoing WTC 2023-25 cycle.

Indian To Face Afghanistan Before England Test Series

Before the England Test series, India will face Afghanistan in a three-match T20I series on their home turf. Veterans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, absent since the T20 World Cup 2022 semi-final loss against England, have made their return to the Indian T20I team.

India’s Squad For Afghanistan T20Is: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar.

Also read: IND vs SA: Ruturaj Gaikwad Ruled Out Of Test Series, Sarfaraz Khan And Rinku Singh Added To India A Squad