India might be without the services of their key players for the second Test against England in Vizag.
After a massive blow in Hyderabad with an unexpected 28-run loss to England, India are required to make a comeback in the series to maintain their reputation at home. The loss saw India slip to the fifth position in the ICC World Test Championship table, but they have four remaining Tests to salvage the series.
But in a telling blow to India, they might be without the services of a senior player for the second Test starting in Vizag on February 2nd. With Virat Kohli already withdrawing from the squad for the first two Test matches, the absence of another star will be a huge blow to India, who are already 0-1 down in the series.
It is Ravindra Jadeja who faces uncertainty over his participation in the upcoming second Test in Visakhapatnam with a hamstring injury according to a report on Cricbuzz. This development follows after Jadeja sustained a hamstring injury during the first Test in Hyderabad.
Watch Dravid update media on Ravindra Jadeja’s fitness
Jadeja, who was visibly in distress following a run-out by England’s Ben Stokes, is currently awaiting the results of his scan. The scans, conducted in Hyderabad on Sunday, have been forwarded to a specialized institute in Mumbai for further evaluation. A conclusive report on the extent of his injury is expected by Monday evening.
Sources close to the team have indicated that Jadeja’s immediate future in the series seems bleak, with the possibility of him missing the second Test, scheduled to start on February 2. The initial prognosis suggests a hamstring pull rather than a tear, offering a glimmer of hope for his return in the third Test, should he be ruled out of the upcoming match.
Jadeja’s injury occurred during a tense moment in the match when he was run out by a sharp throw from Ben Stokes at the non-striker’s end, off a delivery from Joe Root. Post-match, India’s coach Rahul Dravid was reserved in his comments, stating that he had yet to discuss the matter with the team physio.
In case Jadeja is deemed unfit for the next Test, spinner Kuldeep Yadav is being considered as his replacement. While Yadav’s inclusion would bolster the bowling attack, Jadeja’s absence would be felt both in batting and fielding. Jadeja was a standout performer in the first innings of the Hyderabad Test, scoring a crucial 87 runs, and his fielding prowess has always been an asset for the team.
The Indian team, currently in Hyderabad, is scheduled to depart for Visakhapatnam on Tuesday.
