India and England will clash in the third Test of the ongoing five-match series from February 15, 2024. This encounter will be played at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot. The stadium is set to be renamed to Niranjan Shah Stadium.
The series is currently level at 1-1 with England winning the first match in Hyderabad and the hosts hitting back in the second Test in Vizag. England has already announced its playing Xi for the third Test match which featured two pacers and two spinners along with Joe Root as bowling attack.
Meanwhile a few changes are expected in the Indian XI as well, especially with KL Rahul being ruled out due to a knee issue and Ravindra Jadeja being deemed fit for the encounter at his home ground.
IND v ENG 2024: England announce playing XI for third Test against India in Rajkot
Here is the COC Predicted Team India XI for the third Test against England in Rajkot:
Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal are most likely to continue opening the innings for India with Shubman Gill at no.3. While Jaiswal and Shubman starred with the bat for India in Vizag Test win, Rohit Sharma will be eager to contribute as his willow has been quiet in this series.
Rajat Patidar is expected to keep his spot at no.4 as he impressed in his debut Test. With KL Rahul out of the Test match, expect Sarfaraz Khan to finally get the chance to wear the India Test jersey.
Coming to the wicketkeeper conundrum, it is expected that Indian team management might give a chance to Dhruv Jurel to make his debut. KS Bharat has had many chances to cement his place in the team, but his batting has been not at par with expectations, despite glimpses of brilliance.
Ravindra Jadeja has been declared fit and expect him to be part of the Indian XI. He along with R Ashwin will have to support the inexperienced middle order with the bat as well. This leaves space for one more spinner in the side and the battle will be between Kuldeep Yadav and Akshar Patel for the spot.
India might go with two pacers instead of one as Jasprit Bumrah workload is to be managed and Mohammed Siraj is expected to return to the Indian XI after a break from the second Test.
COC Predicted Team India Playing XI:
Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (WK), R Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
