Jasprit Bumrah will rejoin the squad ahead of the final Test against England in Dharamsala. The India vice-captain had been rested for the fourth Test in Ranchi to manage his workload ahead of a busy calendar, which includes international commitments and the IPL.
The 30-year-old had been in outstanding form in the first three games of the series, and is the joint highest wicket-taker for the team along with Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin. The fast bowler has 17 wickets at an average of 13.64.
However, KL Rahul has been ruled out as he is consulting specialists in London following a quadricep-tendon injury that ruled him out of the second, third and fourth Tests of the series.
“The BCCI medical team is closely monitoring him and coordinating with specialists in London for further management of his issue,” a BCCI statement said.
Rahul’s issue stems from pain in his right quadriceps, for which he underwent surgery last year. Considering his importance to the side and the dual roles he fulfils for the team as a batter and keeper, the BCCI and the team management have decided not to take any risk.
There is even talk that Rahul may be forced to miss the first few games of the IPL.
All-rounder Washington Sundar has been released from the squad to go play in the Ranji Trophy semi-final for Tamil Nadu against Mumbai, starting on Saturday. If needed, Sundar will rejoin the Test squad in Dharamsala after the completion of the domestic fixture.
While the series is already decided, India and England still have World Test Championship points to play for in Dharamsala. India currently are second on the points table, with England down at eighth.
On Mohammed Shami, who had surgery on his right Achilles tendon earlier this week, the BCCI said: “He is recovering well and will soon head to the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore to commence his rehabilitation process.”
Golf sessions
After losing the fourth Test and the series in Ranchi, Ben Stokes-led England have been spending their time playing golf. They arrived in Chandigarh on Wednesday and have been playing golf at the Chandigarh Golf Club before leaving for Dharamsala.
In the previous longer break between the second and third Tests, the team had travelled to Abu Dhabi to link up with their families.