Jasprit Bumrah reenters the fray as BCCI reshuffles India’s lineup for the fifth and final Test against England in Dharamsala. Rested for the fourth Test in Ranchi to manage workload, Bumrah’s return is expected to bolster the XI, likely replacing Akash Deep, who made a commendable debut in the previous match.
“Jasprit Bumrah, who was released from the squad for the 4th Test in Ranchi, will link up with the squad in Dharamsala for the 5th Test,” stated the BCCI release.
Meanwhile, KL Rahul’s absence continues, with his right quad injury sidelining him from the series’ culmination. Currently in London under specialist observation, Rahul’s recovery remains under close monitoring by the BCCI Medical Team. In Rahul’s stead, Rajat Patidar occupied the No.4 spot in the last three Tests, albeit with underwhelming performances.
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With Patidar’s struggles – including a highest score of 32 and two ducks in six innings – the stage seems set for Devdutt Padikkal’s debut, making him the fifth Indian debutant in the series. In a separate move, Washington Sundar, the off-spinning all-rounder, has been released from the squad to join the Ranji Trophy semi-final with Tamil Nadu. With the presence of Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav, Sundar’s selection prospects were slim.
🚨 NEWS 🚨#TeamIndia‘s squad for the 5th @IDFCFIRSTBank Test against England in Dharamsala announced.
Details 🔽 #INDvENG https://t.co/SO0RXjS2dK
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 29, 2024
“Washington Sundar has been released from the squad. He will join Tamil Nadu – his Ranji Trophy side – for their Ranji Trophy Semi-final fixture against Mumbai, starting March 2nd, 2024. He will join the India squad after the completion of the domestic fixture for the fifth Test, if need be,” clarified the BCCI.
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Additionally, Mohammed Shami underwent a successful surgery on February 26 to address his right heel issue. Currently recuperating, Shami is slated to commence his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru shortly. Despite securing an unassailable 3-1 lead in the series, India eyes a triumph in the final Test to bolster their standing in the World Test Championship points table.
.India’s updated squad for the 5th Test: Rohit Shar ma (C), Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (WK), KS Bharat (WK), Devdutt Padikkal, R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep.
