According to a recent video update, Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has started jogging regularly at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). In the video, Jadeja is seen going for a brief run, and it appears like he is keen to return to the field for India as soon as possible.
The hosts took a hit. Their seasoned all-rounder couldn’t play in the second Test against England. The game starts Friday, February 2, in Visakhapatnam. What happened? A quick single on Day 4 of the first Test in Hyderabad led to a hamstring injury.
Ben Stokes’ stunning pick-up and throw caught Ravindra Jadeja short of his crease and left him holding his hamstring as he walked back to the pavilion.
However, the workout video Jadeja released on Instagram might indicate a rapid comeback. This is how Jadeja captioned the post:
“I’ma rider! #donotgiveup.”
Besides Jadeja, KL Rahul won’t play in the second Test either. He says his right quadriceps hurts. The team has brought in Sarfaraz Khan, Washington Sundar, and new all-rounder Saurabh Kumar.
India’s challenge to find a suitable replacement for Ravindra Jadeja
Scoring a noteworthy 87, Ravindra Jadeja demonstrated his importance to the Indian team in Hyderabad. If Jadeja were to exit, India may have to adjust their line-up considerably. His all-round skills are a key asset, offering balance to the team.
India has the option of Washington Sundar as a straight replacement, since the kid has demonstrated all-round ability. However, given how England’s hitters washed the hosts out of the first Test, Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid may consider including left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav in the starting XI.
Uncapped batsmen Rajat Patidar and Sarfaraz Khan may also be given a chance to replace KL Rahul.