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Team India is facing considerable challenges in the ongoing Test series against England. After a morale-boosting victory in the first Test in Hyderabad, England is looking to maintain their momentum in the upcoming second Test in Visakhapatnam, set to start on February 2. Ben Stokes' team is likely feeling confident about extending their lead, particularly as India grapples with injuries to key players.
It's not often that India has felt such pressure from a visiting team in a home Test series. However, this time, Rohit Sharma's squad seems to be facing an unprecedented challenge, as England has delivered a significant blow.
With four more matches in the series, India faces a daunting task heading into the second match, especially without four of their main players. Let's review the four crucial Indian players, all established Test cricketers, who are set to miss the upcoming match against England in Vizag.
KL Rahul
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed on January 29 that KL Rahul would miss the second Test due to pain in his right quadriceps. Rahul's absence is a significant loss for India; he is a technically proficient batter, particularly on spinning tracks. Recently in excellent form, he played an impeccable 86-run knock in the first innings of the previous Test.
Ravindra Jadeja
In the same release, the BCCI announced that all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja will be unavailable for the Vizag Test due to a hamstring injury he suffered in the previous match in Hyderabad. Not having Jadeja in the playing XI is a colossal blow for India, especially with what he brings to the table. The veteran cricketer bagged five wickets in the previous match and scored 87 runs with the bat in the first innings.
Virat Kohli
Indian cricket's superstar and the best batter in the country, Virat Kohli was ruled out of the first two Tests against England. His absence was keenly felt in Hyderabad, both in the batting lineup and on the field. His absence of majorly felt when the famed Indian batting line-up once again capitulated during their run chase in Hyderabad. Kohli was also dearly missed on the field when the shoulders of the Indian players dropped and the team looked clueless and lacked energy. Not having Kohli in the Vizag Test only makes the job that much more difficult for India.
Mohammed Shami
Just like Kohli, Mohammed Shami was also ruled out of the opening two matches against England as the right-arm pacer is recovering from an injury. In Indian conditions when the ball starts reversing, Shami's talents come in more than handy for the team's captain to break a partnership. Time and again the right-arm pacer has proved his credentials with the red ball in a familiar setting at home. Not having him is another huge blow for Rohit Sharma's brigade.
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