The BCCI on Thursday (February 29) announced Team India’s 16-member squad for the fifth and final Test match against England, due to be held in Dharamsala from March 7.
Ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who was rested for the fourth Test in Ranchi to manage his workload, will feature in the series finale.
However, senior batter KL Rahul has been ruled out of the fifth Test as he is still recovering from the quadriceps injury, which forced him to sit out in the last three matches as well.
“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,” BCCI said in a press release.
“Meanwhile, Mr. Jasprit Bumrah who was released from the squad for the 4th Test in Ranchi, will link-up with the squad in Dharamsala for the 5th Test,” it added.
Meanwhile, all-rounder Washington Sundar has been released from the Indian Test squad and will turn up for Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy semi-final against Mumbai, starting on March 2. Sundar was part of the Test side but didn’t get an opportunity against England.
“He (Sundar) will join the India squad after the completion of the domestic fixture for the fifth Test, if need be,” BCCI’s release stated.
The board also shared an update on veteran pacer Mohammad Shami, who recently underwent an Achilles tendon surgery.
“Mohd. Shami successfully underwent a surgery on 26th February, 2024 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.”
Pacer Mukesh Kumar, who was released from the squad to take part in Bengal’s last Ranji Trophy fixture, has been added to the squad for the fifth Test.
The rest of the squad remains the same, with rookie batters Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan and Devdutt Padikkal retaining their spots. Akash Deep, who impressed one and all on his debut Test in Ranchi, is also part of the side for the Dharamsala Test.
India’s updated squad for the 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, Akshar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep.
