Mumbai Indians spinner Rahul Chahar is likely to be added to Team India’s squad for the five-match T20I series against England as the hosts continue to sweat over Varun Chakravarthy and Rahul Tewatia’s fitness. The first of the five-match series on March 12 (February) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad will officially mark the beginning of India’s preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup scheduled to take place later this year.
Chahar, who was one of the standby players during the Test series against England, has been in the Indian team bubble for some time and feels like the automatic choice. He was also part of the Indian contingent that had a practice session on Monday (March 8) evening. While the other standby cricketers – Priyank Panchal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, KS Bharat have been released to play for their domestic sides, Rahul Chahar was asked to stay with the team.
Rahul Chahar likely to be added to India squad
Meanwhile, like Varun Chakravarthy, Rahul Tewatia also failed the fitness test conducted at the National Cricket Academy. The result of the second test that took place in Ahmedabad is unknown. However, the Rajasthan Royals all-rounder was seen training with the Indian contingent in Ahmedabad and has been in quarantine with the rest of the players.
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On the other hand, Chakravarthy was not part of the training and has been asked to check into the NCA to work on his fitness targets. It has been really unfortunate for the young spinner who now misses the second series on a trot after missing the Australia tour owing to a finger injury.
The 21-year-old Rahul Chahar made his debut for India against West Indies in the Caribbean in 2019 but since then, has not played any international game. But the Mumbai Indians skipper has been in good form in IPL 2020 and played a key role in helping his side defend the title in the UAE. Chahar, who has been waiting on the sidelines amid the presence of Yuzvendra Chahal, will look for an opportunity to make his presence felt at the biggest stage.