Senior Team India batsman KL Rahul will miss the upcoming third Test against England in Rajkot, scheduled for February 15. The Karnataka cricketer is expected to be replaced by his state teammate Devdutt Padikkal, as reported on February 14.
Initially included in the Indian squad for the remaining three Tests against England, both Rahul and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja’s participation depended on fitness clearance from the BCCI medical team. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had outlined this requirement for their inclusion. The duo’s fitness updates will be crucial factors as the team management prepares for the crucial Test series.
The Indian Express reported that Rahul hasn’t fully recovered to prove his fitness, whereas Jadeja has received clearance to participate in the third Test in Rajkot, his home ground. The medical team will continue to monitor Rahul for another week before making a decision on his availability. The 31-year-old had missed the second Test in Visakhapatnam due to quadriceps pain.
In Rahul’s probable absence, Devdutt Padikkal is set to step in for the third Test. Padikkal showcased his form with scores of 151 & 36 in the recent Ranji Trophy 2024 match against Tamil Nadu in Chennai, catching the eye of selectors, including chairman Ajit Agarkar, who watched the game from the stands. The left-hander had earlier scored 193 against Punjab and 103 against Goa. Additionally, he impressed in the unofficial Tests against England Lions, registering scores of 105, 65 & 21.
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