India announce squad for remaining Test matches against England
Indian Squad (Source: X)
As the Indian Cricket Board has announced the team for the remaining Test matches against England, former Indian Cricket team captain Virat Kohli has decided to withdraw his name from the last three Test games against England.
As per the statement published by the Indian Cricket Board on its website, Kohli will not be available for the rest of the Test matches and the Indian Cricket Board supports his decision.
“Virat Kohli will remain unavailable for selection for the remainder of the series due to personal reasons. The Board fully respects and supports Mr. Kohli’s decision,” read the statement.
Earlier Kohli opts his name from the team for the first two Test matches against England. Many cricket fans around the world had hoped for his return for the last three Test games. AB de Villiers former RCB teammate of Kohli stated that he is expecting the birth of his second child, before taking a U-turn on 9th February.
Sarfaraz Khan may get his Test debut for India
Kohli along with Shreyas Iyer will miss the last three games as the latter has back spasms and a groin injury. As per reports Iyer has been sent back to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) for medical examination. He is expected to return to the field during IPL 2024.
Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul’s names are added to the team but their selection will be subject to fitness clearance from the Indian Cricket Board medical team. Rajat Patidar who made his debut in the second Test has retained his place in the squad. If Iyer and KL Rahul don’t get fit before the third Test against England in Rajkot Sarfaraz Khan may get his debut for India in Test.
In the meantime, Akash Deep has got a maiden Test call-up for India after his good bowling performance against England Lions for India A. India won the second Test match against England in Vizag. The series is now tied at 1-1. The third Test match will be held in Rajkot from 15th February onwards.
India Test Squad: Rohit Sharma (C), Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (WK), KS Bharat (WK), R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep
