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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has revealed the final squad for the fifth and final Test match against England at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala. Scheduled to commence on March 07, this match holds significant importance in the series.
Jasprit Bumrah makes a comeback
One of India’s premier fast bowlers, Jasprit Bumrah, will be rejoining the squad for the final Test in Dharamsala. Bumrah was rested for the fourth Test in Ranchi as part of the team management’s strategy to manage his workload, considering the forthcoming commitments such as the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the T20 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies.
Having displayed exceptional form in the initial three games of the series, Bumrah’s return is expected to bolster India’s pace attack. His absence in Ranchi saw Bengal seamer Akash Deep filling in admirably. With Mohammed Siraj and Mukesh Kumar also in contention, India has a well-rounded pace battery for a Test match likely to favor fast bowlers.
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KL Rahul’s absence confirmed
On the flip side, senior batter KL Rahul has been officially ruled out of the fifth Test due to a lingering quadriceps injury. This injury resurfaced after the series opener in Hyderabad and despite ongoing treatment, Rahul has not sufficiently recovered. Given his pivotal role in the team and the need for caution, the BCCI, selectors, and team management have opted not to risk his participation.
“Mr. KL Rahul, whose participation in the final IDFC First Bank Test was subject to fitness, has been ruled out of the fifth and final Test in Dharamsala. The BCCI Medical Team is closely monitoring him and coordinating with specialists in London for further management of his issue. Meanwhile, Mr. Jasprit Bumrah who was released from the squad for the 4th Test in Ranchi, will link-up with the squad in Dharamsala for the 5th Test,” read a BCCI release.
India’s updated squad for the 5th Test:
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, Akash Deep.