Jasprit Bumrah is set to rejoin the Indian squad for the series-ending Dharamsala Test against England. The vice-captain was rested for the fourth Test in Ranchi to manage his workload ahead of a busy schedule, including the IPL and the T20 World Cup. Bumrah had an outstanding performance in the series, taking 17 wickets in the first three games.
In his absence, Bengal seamer Akash Deep replaced him in the XI for the Ranchi Test. India also has Mohammed Siraj and Mukesh Kumar available for selection in a Test match expected to favor fast bowlers.
On the other hand, KL Rahul has been officially ruled out of the Test due to a quadriceps injury that flared up after the series opener in Hyderabad. Rahul, who underwent surgery for the same last year, has stiffness in his right quadriceps. Given his importance to the team and the roles he fulfills, the BCCI, selectors, and team management are cautious with his recovery.
Washington Sundar has been released from the squad to play in the Ranji Trophy semifinal for Tamil Nadu against Mumbai, starting on March 2. He will rejoin the Test squad in Dharamsala if needed after the domestic fixture.
India’s updated squad for the 5th Test includes 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, and Akash Deep.