India Squad for Final 3 Tests Against England : KL Rahul & Ravindra Jadeja ARE IN, Shreyas Iyer OUT!

India Squad for Final 3 Tests Against England: The anticipation is building up as India gears up for the third Test against England at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot, scheduled to kick off on Thursday, February 15. The recent announcement by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on their squad for the upcoming matches has stirred the cricketing community.

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Virat Kohli’s Absence and the Inclusion of Jadeja and Rahul

In a surprising turn of events, Virat Kohli will continue to be absent from the squad for personal reasons. The team’s composition has changed strategically as a result of this notable departure. The BCCI’s recent announcement included the return of Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul, who were forced to miss the second Test in Visakhapatnam due to injuries.

The Probable Change in the Playing XI

Shreyas Iyer, who batted at No. 4 in the Vizag Test, finds himself out of contention for the next three Tests. With Iyer perhaps out of the starting XI for the third Test, this gives KL Rahul a big opportunity to make a mark. However, the final decision will hinge on Rahul’s fitness, and if he isn’t fully fit, the Mumbai batter Sarfaraz Khan might make his debut for India in Rajkot.

Uncertainties in the Wicketkeeping Position

The performance of wicketkeeper-batter KS Bharat in the first two matches raises questions about his place in India’s playing XI. The 30-year-old failed to impress both with the bat and his keeping skills. As speculations circulate, rookie Dhruv Jurel could be given the opportunity to showcase his skills in place of Bharat, who might be benched for the third Test.

Dilemma in the Spin Department

The availability of Ravindra Jadeja for selection creates a conundrum in India’s spin department. The team management will need to make a tough decision between Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel. Although Axar has contributed significantly with the bat, picking up five crucial wickets in four innings, the possibility of playing four spinners would mean sacrificing a seamer or having KL Rahul take over wicketkeeping duties from Bharat.

Bowling Shuffle – Bumrah and Siraj in Focus

Mukesh Kumar’s inclusion over Mohammed Siraj in the second Test proved less impactful than anticipated. With only one wicket to his name, Kumar is set to be replaced by Siraj. Jasprit Bumrah is also under scrutiny because of rumors that he may be taking a break to manage his workload. The final playing XI may see Bumrah making a strategic return, adding an extra layer of excitement to the upcoming Test.