Ravindra Jadeja’s Battle with Lingering Injury Casts a Shadow on Rajkot Test
As the five-test series against England unfolds, the Indian cricket team grapples with bowling challenges, intensified by the absence of star pacer Shami and the lingering injury to all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja sustained during the first test. Contrary to the hopes of Indian fans, Jadeja’s recovery remains incomplete, raising doubts about his availability for the upcoming third Test in Rajkot.
Jadeja is presently undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bangalore, where his progress is under close observation by the medical team. Reports indicate that a hamstring injury is prolonging Jadeja’s recovery, making his participation in the Rajkot Test uncertain. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is anticipated to release an update on Jadeja’s fitness before the conclusion of the ongoing two Tests.
Typically, hamstring pain requires four to eight weeks for complete recovery, implying that Jadeja might miss the third Test slated to begin on February 15 in Rajkot. This opens the door for Kuldeep Yadav to continue in his place. Nevertheless, there remains optimism that Jadeja might regain fitness for the fourth Test in Ranchi on February 23.
Jadeja’s impactful performance in the first Test, marked by scoring 86 runs in the first innings and taking three crucial wickets, left a lasting impression. Unfortunately, his run-out for 2 runs in the second innings contributed to India’s defeat by 28 runs. The Indian team and fans will anxiously await updates on Jadeja’s recovery and the potential inclusion in the playing XI.
