The Indian team for the remaining three Tests is likely to be announced before February 8, according to the SportsTak report. India won the second Test at Visakhapatnam by 106 runs. England, chasing 399 to win, were bowled out for 292. The victory helped India tie the series and jump to second position in the WTC points table.
So far, India has played six matches in the current WTC campaign, winning three matches and losing two. One match ended in a draw. England, for its part, occupies eighth position in the classification. Australia leads the WTC points table after test series victory over West Indies.
Team India bounced back in style after losing the first Test by 28 runs. The Indian team was without Ravindra Jadeja and Virat Kohli in the second Test. While there is no update on the duo’s likely return, KL Rahul, who missed the second Test due to a right quadriceps injury, is likely to return in the third Test.
Meanwhile. Jasprit Bumrah, who was Man of the Match in the second Test for his nine-wicket haul, is likely to be rested in the third Test in Rajkot. Mohammed Siraj is expected to replace him in the XI.
The Indian team for the third Test is likely to be announced tomorrow or on February 8. [Sports Tak] pic.twitter.com/xoGHrFz3de
—Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 6, 2024
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With the return of some players in play, there could be some changes in the Indian XI. There are concerns about the form of some players. KS Bharat and Mukesh Kumar’s performances in the second Test were not up to the mark and a decision needs to be taken.
I think it’s better to ask the selectors: India head coach Rahul Dravid on Virat Kohli
The management is still waiting for an update on Virat Kohli’s return. In case you are also not available for the third test. Sarfaraz Khan will come into the picture for the team after Rajat Patidar failed to make the most of his chances in the second Test. There are also question marks over whether Shreyas Iyer will be given another chance after his continued failures. Iyer scored 27 and 29 in the two innings of the Vizag Test.
“I think the best thing is to ask the selectors. I am sure they are the best people to answer before the team selection for the next three tests. We’ll get to that. I’m sure there will be selection in the next few days. “We’ll connect with him and find out.” Rahul Dravid told reporters on Monday in Vizag.
Like Iyer, KS Bharat has been criticized for his inability to score runs with the bat. So far in the first two Tests he has scored 92 runs at an average of 23.00. In the Vizag Test, he scored 17 and 6. Dhruv Jurel and Sarfaraz Khan are also substitutes in the side.
India is still missing players like Mohammed Shami and Rishabh Pant in their Test team. While Shami recovers from an ankle injury, Pant is expected to return to the IPL and defend his selection for the 2024 T20 World Cup.
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