The Indian team has faced a setback as KL Rahul is unavailable for the third Test, having failed to pass the required fitness standards. The only silver lining for Rohit Sharma's side is the comeback of all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. India is scheduled to face England in Rajkot this Thursday, February 15, with Devdutt Padikkal selected by Ajit Agarkar's committee to take Rahul's place.
Team India suffered another big blow as KL Rahul was ruled out of the third test after failing to clear the fitness test. Rohit Sharma-led side is only boosted by the return of all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. India will lock horns with England in the third test on February 15, Thursday in Rajkot. The Selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar named Devdutt Padikkal as Rahul’s replacement.
The BCCI confirmed that Rahul's recovery from the quadriceps injury sustained before the second Test is still ongoing. While he hasn't fully healed, he is currently at 90% match fitness and is making steady progress with the board's medical staff. It is anticipated that he will be fit enough to rejoin the starting XI for the fourth and fifth Tests.
Padikkal's selection follows a brilliant 151-run knock from 218 deliveries in a Ranji Trophy Elite Group C game against Tamil Nadu. The performance was witnessed by selection chairman Ajit Agarkar, who watched the 23-year-old dismantle a capable bowling attack consisting of Sai Kishore, Sandeep Warrier, and Vijay Shankar.
During that crucial innings, Padikkal hammered 6 sixes and 12 boundaries, helping Karnataka reach 366 and secure a three-point first-innings lead. He has been in phenomenal shape this Ranji Trophy season, racking up 556 runs at an average of 92.66, including three centuries in just four games. It's clear the young batter is now truly excelling in the longest format of the game.