3 players who can replace Ravindra Jadeja in India playing XI for 2nd test vs England in Visakhapatnam

All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is doubtful for the second test against England in Visakhapatnam.

India have suffered double blows during the five-match test series against England. After a 28-run defeat in Hyderabad test, spin-bowling all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is now doubtful for the second test in Visakhapatnam. Ravindra Jadeja was spotted limping off the field after being dismissed in India’s second innings in Hyderabad. Jadeja complained about trouble in his hamstring and underwent scans after the game. The reports have been sent for evaluation to Mumbai Institute and Jadeja’s further participation will be decided soon.

It is unlikely that Ravindra Jadeja might get to play in the second test, which starts on 2nd February at ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Vishakapatnam. India will have to look at different options in the Indian playing XI. Ravindra Jadeja’s injury will be a golden opportunity for a few players waiting for their chances. Ravindra Jadeja got injured while attempting a quick single during India’s chase in Hyderabad. Ben Stokes delivered a magnificent throw to run him out. Let’s have a look at the possible replacements of Ravindra Jadeja in the Indian playing XI.

1. Kuldeep Yadav:

Spin-bowling all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja’s injury might open the doors for Kuldeep Yadav in the Indian playing XI. Kuldeep Yadav has not played a single test for India in the last 13 months. Kuldeep Yadav played his last test match against Bangladesh in December 2022. Team management might promote Axar Patel in the batting order and include Kuldeep Yadav as third spinner in the playing XI along with Axar and Ravi Ashwin. Kuldeep Yadav has so far played eight test matches for the Indian side and picked up 34 wickets.

2. Dhruv Jurel:

There might be a chance India might look to strengthen batting even more in the second test and for that, Dhruv Jurel is another option down the order. Indian lower-order had a decent outing in the first innings of the first test, but they failed during the chase in the fourth innings. Back-up wicket-keeper Dhruv Jurel might be an option to get drafted into the playing XI for the second test against England. Jurel might play as a pure batter while KS Bharat can take charge as wicket-keeper in the playing XI. He recently earned his maiden test call-up following good performances in First Class cricket.

3. Rajat Patidar:

Top-order batter Rajat Patidar earned India test call-up after Virat Kohli opted out of the first two test matches against England due to personal reasons. Indian team management might also look at Rajat Patidar as another option to include in the playing XI as a top-order batter. Patidar’s inclusion might also force the Indian team to make a shift in their batting order. Patidar’s inclusion will make KL Rahul shift his base once again as number 6 batter in the playing XI.

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