In a notable development, Yash Dayal has been added to India’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad as a backup pacer after Khaleel Ahmed had to be sent back home due to an unspecified niggle.
Dayal was part of India’s squad during the recently held T20I tour of South Africa but he didn’t feature in a single match.
The left-arm seamer travelled directly to Perth from Johannesburg after Khaleel developed a niggle and was unable to bowl in the nets.
“It was a like for like replacement because the Indian team needs to do simulation for Mitchell Starc. Dayal was originally supposed to play the A Test but was sent to South Africa. If Khaleel can’t bowl then there was no point of keeping him back," a BCCI source privy to the development told PTI on Wednesday (November 20).
It remains unclear whether Khaleel will be able to participate in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy T20 tournament matches or not. He has been released by Delhi Capitals and would like to attract the IPL franchises during the upcoming mega-auction.
On the other hand, Yash Dayal has been retained by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for INR 5 Crore.
According to the PTI report, opening batter Yashasvi Jaiswal felt a jerk on his shoulder while batting on Tuesday (November 19) and needed medical attention. However, the southpaw was back in the nets a day later, much to the relief of Indian team management and fans.
Meanwhile, India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel on Wednesday (November 20) said that he was hopeful of Shubman Gill gaining full fitness in time for the Perth Test.
Gill had suffered a thumb injury during fielding practice, but a fracture was ruled out after scans.
"Shubman [Gill] is improving on a day-by-day basis. We will take a call on the morning of the Test. He played well in the match simulation during the build-up, so fingers crossed," Morkel said in the pre-match presser.
India will be without the services of their regular skipper Rohit Sharma in Perth as he decided to stay at home after becoming father for the second time. He is expected to join the team ahead of the second Test, slated to be held in Adelaide from December 6.
In Rohit’s absence, ace pacer and vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah will step in as captain in the Perth Test, starting November 22.
(With PTI Inputs)
