Star India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is racing against time to regain full fitness ahead of the second Test against England. Jadeja picked up a hamstring injury when he was run out by Ben Stokes during Day for the first Test in Hyderabad which concluded on January 28. The Sports Tak has now learned that Jadeja is 'not in good shape and is facing trouble in walking' and the team management is keeping a close eye on the all-rounder's injury and progress.
Meanwhile, Kuldeep Yadav is the front-runner to replace Jadeja in the second Test if the latter fails to regain full fitness in due time. The second Test between India and England is scheduled to begin on February 2 in Visakhapatnam.
"The doctors have seen Ravindra Jadeja and he has been advised to rest as he is facing trouble walking and is not in good shape," a source told Sports Tak.
"A call will be taken on Jadeja soon. The team will be traveling to Vizag tomorrow and if Jadeja misses out then it will be a huge blow for India. In case Jadeja misses out, Kuldeep Yadav, who is with the team, may be called up as a replacement," the source added.
After India's 28-run loss against England in the Hyderabad Test, head coach Rahul Dravid in the post-match press conference did not reveal details but confirmed that Jadeja is struggling and he will get to know about it from the team’s physio.
"We'll see. I honestly haven't had a chance to speak to the physio as yet. Once I get back, I'll speak to him and see what it is about," Dravid told the media.
On Day 4, Jadeja was dismissed for just two runs in India's failed run chase of 231. Earlier, Jadeja had taken five wickets in the Test. He was impressive with the bat in the first innings. The southpaw scored 87 runs from 180 deliveries featuring seven fours and a couple of sixes. His half-century helped India post 436 and take a 190-run lead.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
IND vs ENG: After Michael Vaughan, India's star cricketer criticises captain Rohit Sharma for making 'errors' in 1st Test against England
'The Biggest Fraud And...': Fans tear into Shubman Gill as calls to drop struggling Indian batter intensifies; social media flooded with angry reactions
