Ravindra Jadeja to be ruled out of England Test series; KL Rahul to return

Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and star batter KL Rahul have been ruled out of the second Test in the ongoing five-match series against England. As per reports, Ravindra Jadeja is expected to miss the remainder of the red-ball series due to a hamstring injury.

Ravindra Jadeja sustained a hamstring injury while attempting a quick run during India’s second innings on Day 4. The left-handed batter was run out for just two runs in the run chase, appearing to have pulled his hamstring just before Ben Stokes hit the stumps.

Ravindra Jadeja Sustained A Hamstring Injury On Day 4 – BCCI

On Monday, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul will miss the second Test in Visakhapatnam. The selectors have named Washington Sundar and uncapped players Saurabh Kumar and Sarfaraz Khan in the squad.

“Jadeja sustained a hamstring injury during play on Day 4 of the first Test in Hyderabad while Rahul complained of a right quadriceps pain. The BCCI Medical Team is monitoring the progress of the duo. The Men’s Selection Committee have added Sarfaraz Khan, Sourabh Kumar and Washington Sundar to India’s squad,” the statement read.

Ravindra Jadeja’s Injury Could Be More Serious – Report

According to the Times of India, Jadeja’s injury is worse than initially feared, possibly causing him to miss the remaining four Test matches. The report also suggested that KL Rahul would return for the third Test match in Rajkot.

“Rahul could perhaps return later in this series, but Jadeja’s injury could be more serious. Let’s see what the NCA’s medical team tells us,” a BCCI source told TOI.

Jadeja showcased his all-round brilliance, securing five wickets and contributing a remarkable 87-run knock in the first innings. Rahul batted at No. 4 in Virat Kohli’s absence. The right-handed batter scored 86 runs and 22 runs in both innings of the series opener.

The 35-year-old all-rounder scored 1681 runs in 41 home Tests with an impressive average of 40.02, including two centuries and 12 half-centuries. The left-arm spinner picked up 199 wickets on home soil with an average of 21.05 and achieved 10 five-wicket hauls.

Washington Sundar Might Replace Ravindra Jadeja In Playing XI

Washington Sundar is seen as a potential replacement. He showcased strong batting skills in Test cricket, amassing 265 runs at an average of 66.25, including three fifties. However, he isn’t as effective with the ball, having secured only six wickets at an average of 49.83.

The second Test match between India and England will take place at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam, starting on Friday, February 2. The home team hopes to make a comeback with a victory in the upcoming match.

Also read: Ravindra Jadeja joins elite list of all-rounders featuring Jacques Kallis and Imran Khan