Ajinkya Rahane has been ruled out of the fourth Test between India and England from Thursday. Fast bowler Mohammed Shami also may not be a part of match. Captain Virat Kohli said the Bengal speedster may be rested as a precautionary measure.
Addressing a news conference on Wednesday, Kohli said: “We need to take a call in the evening. After Mohali, Shami felt a bit of soreness in his knee and we don’t want to take a chance with a player and lose him for the whole series.” Mumbai pacer Shardul Thakur has been called up as a backup for Shami.
Rahane suffers finger injury
Ajinkya Rahane sustained an avulsion fracture on his right index finger and has been ruled out for the remaining two Test matches against England. A ball stuck Rahane during the practice session today. Manish Pandey has replaced Rahane.
{{/usCountry}}Ajinkya Rahane sustained an avulsion fracture on his right index finger and has been ruled out for the remaining two Test matches against England. A ball stuck Rahane during the practice session today. Manish Pandey has replaced Rahane.
{{/usCountry}}However, Kohli didn’t seem too concerned even though India have just three fast bowlers in the squad, Umesh Yadav and Bhuvneshwar Kumar being the other two.
Mohammed Shami was out with a knee-injury for 15 months and had returned to action only against the West Indies in July. Shami has been part of all the Test matches against England and has already bowled 103 overs in the series. He has 10 wickets to his name, the highest for a fast bowler from both teams combined.
KL Rahul fit to play
Kohli also confirmed that KL Rahul is completely fit and has recovered from the forearm injury that had kept him out of the Mohali Test. India lead the five-match series 2-0 and will head into the match after an eight-day gap.