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India missed the services of their swashbuckling all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja in the second Test against England. In Jadeja’s absence, India suffered batting collapses in both innings but managed to win by 106 runs. On January 7, more than a week ahead of the third Test in Rajkot, the all-rounder gave an update on his injury.
Jadeja who is currently at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru recovering from a hamstring injury took to his Instagram account to post a photo with the caption: "Getting better".
In Jadeja’s absence, spinners Washington Sundar and Saurabh Kumar were added to the squad. They were a part of India A’s unofficial Test series against England Lions.
Jadeja is facing a race against time to regain fitness. Normally, a hamstring injury takes six to eight weeks to recover from.
Who will be picked for remaining three Tests?
Alongside Jadeja, KL Rahul also complained of pain in his right quadriceps. In his absence, Sarfaraz Khan who scored 161 against England Lions earned his maiden Test call-up. But Rajat Patidar who replaced Virat Kohli in the first two Tests got a chance ahead of Sarfaraz Khan. Patidar registered scores of 32 and 9 on his Test debut.
Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to announce India’s squad for the remaining three Tests. After India’s win in Visakhapatnam, skipper Rohit was seen having a lengthy conversation with chief selector Ajit Agarakar. There is still a question mark over Kohli’s availability after he pulled out of the first two Tests due to personal reasons.
Jadeja’s impact in Hyderabad
Earlier, in the first Test in Hyderabad, he was the top-scorer for the hosts in the first innings. The southpaw scored 87 runs from 180 balls to help India post 436 on the board. The left-arm spinner picked up five wickets in the match but in the run chase of 231, he got run out for a single-digit score by England captain Ben Stokes.
Rivalry resumes in Rajkot
After the second Test, Stokes-led England returned to UAE where they prepared for the Test series. The two sides will go up against each other at Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot starting February 15.
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