Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra cautioned against rushing star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja back into the Indian cricket team for the upcoming third Test against England in Rajkot on February 15. Chopra emphasized that Jadeja, who missed the second Test due to injury, will need to perform multiple roles, including bowling, batting, and fielding, making it crucial to assess his fitness thoroughly.
Despite being included in the squad for the remaining matches of the series, Jadeja’s participation hinges on his recovery, as stated by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Aakash Chopra said: “Ravindra Jadeja is indispensable in this team, there is no doubt about that. However, because he is indispensable, you do not want to rush him back too quickly, as he will have to bowl a lot. He will also have to bat and field. He is a three-dimensional player. So for him, I would say move ahead with caution. If he comes, India might start thinking about playing four spinners with Bumrah.”
Chopra suggested that if Jadeja does return, India could consider fielding four spinners alongside Jasprit Bumrah in the third Test. Additionally, he highlighted the potential return of KL Rahul, who, if fit, would resume his place in the team as a specialist batsman, without wicketkeeping duties. However, if Rahul remains unavailable, Chopra pointed towards the possibility of Mumbai’s emerging talent, Sarfaraz Khan, making his international debut as a replacement.
With the series finely poised at 1-1 and three matches remaining, Chopra’s insights underscore the strategic considerations and the importance of player fitness in Team India’s selection decisions.
Aakash Chopra further said: “KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja are a part of this team, which was going to be the case. I think KL Rahul should walk into this team because it was a niggle, it was not a tear or something, especially since he is a batter and is not keeping currently. So I am assuming he will be available in Rajkot and will play as well. He will fit immediately in place of Shreyas Iyer to bat at No. 4. Just in case Rahul is not available, you could see Sarfaraz Khan making his debut.”
The third Test is set to start in Rajkot on February 15, followed by the fourth Test beginning in Ranchi on February 23. The series will conclude with the fifth and final Test in Dharamsala on March 7. Currently, the series stands level at 1-1, with India losing the first Hyderabad Test by 28 runs but bouncing back to win the second Test in Visakhapatnam by 106 runs.
Unfortunately, star batsman Virat Kohli will continue to be unavailable for selection for the remainder of the series due to personal reasons.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.
