IND vs ENG 5th Test: KL ruled out, Bumrah returns for the final clash

KL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah (Pic: File Pic)

Star Indian batsman KL Rahul is ruled out of the IND vs ENG 5th Test meanwhile lead pacer Jasprit Bumrah is all set to return to the squad. Rahul has travelled to London to get an expert's opinion on his injury. He was unavailable just after the series opener in Hyderabad. Later, according to BCCI, the right-hander was 90 per cent fit before the third test match.

"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," the Board said in a release.

With the series in the bag, Jasprit Bumrah who was released from the squad for the fourth test will join the squad in Dharmashala for the IND vs ENG 5th Test starting on March 7.

Also Read: IN PHOTOS | Sachin Tendulkar's visit to cricket bat's factory in Kashmir

The hosts are already leading the series 3-1 after securing victory in the fourth test match against England. Rahul's absence from the final Test means Rajat Patidar remained with the squad but the MP batter can't be sure of his place in the playing eleven, having aggregated only 63 runs in six innings.

All-rounder Washington Sundar has also been released from the squad. "He will join Tamil Nadu his Ranji Trophy side for their Ranji Trophy Semi-final fixture against Mumbai, starting March 2nd, 2024. He will join the India squad after the completion of the domestic fixture for the fifth Test, if need be," the BCCI said.

Rahul needs to be fully fit to feature in IPL 2024 where he will take on the charge for Lucknow Super Giants and is also expected to bat in the middle order to bosst his chances of making it to the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA and the Caribbean.

Having got injured during the IPL, Rahul returned to action during the Asia Cup in September last and made an instant impact. In the Test tour of South Africa last year, Rahul was the only century-maker for India in the drawn series. The BCCI also said senior pacer Mohammed Shami is recovering well after undergoing surgery on February 26 for his right heel problem. "He is recovering well and will soon head to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru to commence his rehabilitation process," the Board said of Shami.

India's squad for IND vs ENG 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.

(With PTI Inputs)