IND vs ENG: KL Rahul Ruled Out of 3rd Test Due to Fitness Concerns, Replacement Announced

Indian batsman KL Rahul has been ruled out of the upcoming third Test match against England in Rajkot due to ongoing fitness concerns. The senior selection committee had previously included Rahul in the squad for the last three Tests with a condition pending clearance from the BCCI medical team.

While Ravindra Jadeja has been given the green signal to play in the crucial third Test, Rahul’s fitness is still being monitored, and he remains at the NCA. The BCCI and the team management are optimistic about his recovery in time for the fourth Test.

Rahul had initially suffered from right quadriceps pain during the first Test in Hyderabad, leading to his absence from the second Test in Vizag. His absence compounds the injury issues plaguing the Indian team, including the absence of Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer due to personal reasons and form concerns, respectively.

To fill the void left by Rahul, Karnataka batsman Devdutt Padikkal has been drafted into the Test squad. Padikkal’s recent performance in the Ranji Trophy, including a century against Tamil Nadu, has earned him the selection nod. He has showcased consistent form throughout the season, making him a promising addition to the team.

Padikkal, known for his flexibility in the batting order, expressed his readiness to adapt to different roles within the team, emphasizing his confidence in playing at various positions on the field.

Injuries and adjustments continue to shape the dynamics of the ongoing Test series, with teams navigating through unforeseen challenges to maintain their competitive edge.