Dharamsala: India’s star pacer, Jasprit Bumrah, is all set to rejoin the squad ahead of the series-ending Test against England in Dharamsala. The final test of the series between India and England starts from March 7. The 30-year-old vice-captain was rested for the fourth Test in Ranchi to manage his workload, keeping in mind the grueling schedule that includes an upcoming IPL campaign and the T20 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies.
Bumrah, who has been in phenomenal form throughout the series, had scalped 17 wickets at an astonishing average of 13.64 in the first three games. Bengal seamer Akash Deep replaced him in the XI for the Ranchi Test, but with the series on the line, the return of Bumrah is a significant boost for the Indian team. The Dharamsala Test is expected to favor fast bowlers, and India also has the options of Mohammed Siraj and Mukesh Kumar to choose from.
On the flip side, India has received a setback with the official ruling out of senior batter KL Rahul from the fifth Test. Rahul, who has been struggling with a quadriceps injury since the series opener in Hyderabad, failed to recover fully and was sent to London for an expert opinion. The BCCI, selectors, and team management are reluctant to take any risks with Rahul, given his vital role in the team and the dual responsibilities he shoulders.
In another move, all-rounder Washington Sundar has been released from the squad to participate in the Ranji Trophy semifinal fixture for Tamil Nadu against Mumbai, starting on March 2. Sundar, a valuable asset for the team, will rejoin the Test squad in Dharamsala after the completion of the domestic fixture if needed.
The updated squad for the crucial fifth Test in Dharamsala includes 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, and Akash Deep. With Bumrah’s return and some changes in the lineup, Indian fans eagerly await the outcome of the decisive encounter against England.
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