IND vs ENG: Jadeja and Rahul ruled out, new faces to join squad for 2nd Test

IND vs ENG: In a setback for the Indian cricket team following the series opener defeat against England in Hyderabad, both Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul have been ruled out of the upcoming second Test in Visakhapatnam, which is set to commence on February 2.

NEWS 🚨 - Ravindra Jadeja & KL Rahul ruled out of the second Test.

More details on the replacements here -https://t.co/nK9WjnEoRc #INDvENG

— BCCI (@BCCI) January 29, 2024

What caused injury to Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul?

In the Hyderabad Test on Day 4, Jadeja suffered a hamstring injury while batting. In India's second innings, attempting a quick single, Jadeja fell short due to a direct hit from Ben Stokes. The team management was waiting for the reports of the scans, which forced his withdrawal from the rest of the match in five Test series. Meanwhile, ace batter KL Rahul reported right quadriceps pain, ruling him out as well.

Jadeja and KL Rahul ruled out of the 2nd Test.

Sarfaraz Khan, Sourabh Kumar and Washington Sundar added to the squad. pic.twitter.com/kT13aXJ2nS

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 29, 2024

Sarfaraz, Saurabh Kumar, and Washington to join squad

To fill the void left by the injured duo, the selection committee of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has included Sarfaraz Khan, Saurabh Kumar, and Washington Sundar in the squad for the second Test. All three players were part of the India A side in the ongoing series against England Lions. Sarfaraz Khan's stellar performance including a remarkable 161 in the second unofficial Test, earned him a spot. Saurabh Kumar was instrumental in the innings victory with a five-wicket haul and is also set to make his Test debut. He has 22 five-wicket hauls in his name.

Sarfaraz Khan's Dream Come True

Sarfaraz Khan's outstanding form wasn't limited to the India A series, as he clinched the Madhavrao Scindia Award at the BCCI Awards Ceremony. Recognized as the highest run-scorer in the Ranji Trophy for the 2021-22 season for Mumbai, he received the award from Rahul Dravid, who has been impressed by his consistent performances. In Sarfaraz's absence, his father admirably received the award. 

WELCOME TO INDIAN TEST TEAM, SARFARAZ KHAN...!!! 🇮🇳

- After all the hard work, Sarfaraz finally gets his maiden call up. pic.twitter.com/MX4W2Foa38

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 29, 2024

What might be India's Playing XI in 2nd Test?

Notably, India's veteran players, Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane weren't considered replacements. Meanwhile, it will be interesting to see Rahul Dravid and management's stance on the selection of the playing XI in the second Test against England. India might include Washington Sundar in the team to counter England's southpaw-dominated batting lineup. However, legendary batter Virat Kohli will join the squad after the second match.

India’s  Squad for 2nd Test vs England

Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, KS Bharat (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Avesh Khan, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Washington Sundar, Sourabh Kumar.