India’s gun fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been added to the squad for the fifth Test match against England, which will be played at the picturesque Dharamsala. Bumrah was rested for the fourth Test match at Ranchi to manage his workload.
In Bumrah’s absence, Akash Deep made his Test debut and impressed after taking three wickets on debut in his maiden Test innings. Bumrah has been at his absolute best in the ongoing series, taking 17 wickets in three Test matches at an outstanding average of 13.65.
On the other hand, KL Rahul has been ruled out of the fifth Test due to quadriceps injury, which he suffered in the opening Test at Hyderabad. Rahul scored 86 runs in the first innings at Hyderabad but has not played since then.
Ahead of the third Test, it was reported that Rahul has achieved 90% match fitness but was also ruled out of the fourth Test. Subsequently, Rahul was sent to the United Kingdom for an expert advice on his injury.
Meanwhile, Washington Sundar has been released from the squad to go play in the Ranji Trophy semifinal match for his state team Tamil Nadu against Mumbai, beginning on March 2.
The selectors have also retained Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep in the Test squad.
Meanwhile, it has been reported by Hindustan Times that Devdutt Padikkal can make his Test debut at Dharamsala. Padikkal can replace Rajat Patidar in the final XI as the Madhya Pradesh batter has failed to grab his opportunity in the three Test matches he has played in the ongoing series.
The fifth and final Test match will be played at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala from March 7.
India’s updated squad for the 5th Test: Rohit Sharma (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.
