NEW DELHI: Indian all-rounder
Ravindra Jadeja
is on the path to recovery from an injury and is expected to be available for the upcoming
third Test
against
England
in Rajkot, as confirmed by spinner
Kuldeep Yadav
on Tuesday.
Jadeja, 35, had suffered a hamstring injury on the fourth day of the first Test in Hyderabad, a match that England won. Consequently, he missed the second Test in Visakhapatnam, where the Indian team managed to level the five-match series at 1-1.
The experienced all-rounder's return to fitness is crucial for the Indian team, and he had been recalled to the squad with selectors monitoring his recovery closely ahead of the third Test scheduled to begin on Thursday in Rajkot.
Jadeja's potential availability adds a valuable dimension to India's squad, bringing his skills as a spin bowler and lower-order batsman to the forefront as they aim to gain an advantage in the ongoing Test series against England.
"He's doing his routine. He did one session yesterday as well. I think he's available," Kuldeep told reporters.
Jadeja's return could mean Kuldeep or Axar Patel make way, although there is a chance the trio could all feature as batsman KL Rahul is ruled out with a right quadriceps issue.
"I'm not sure about my position because there's still two days to go for the match," Kuldeep added.
"If I get the opportunity I'll be more than happy. I don't think too much about whether I'm playing or not. I just enjoy my day and keep working hard.
"That's my process. The combination matters a lot in a team game. It's as simple as that."
India will be without
Virat Kohli
for the remainder of the series against England due to personal reasons. Kohli's absence is a significant setback for the Indian team, considering his stature as a key player and former captain.
On the other hand, England are missing their spin spearhead
Jack Leach
, who sustained a knee injury. Leach has been an essential part of England's spin attack, and his absence creates a void in the team's bowling department.
(With Reuters inputs)
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