With a 3-1 lead in the five-match series, India has already secured the overall win against England. However, the BCCI selectors and coach Rahul Dravid are still weighing their options for the final Test, hoping to end the series on a high note with a 4-1 victory. The final match is scheduled for March 7 in Dharamsala. Even with a few days to spare, captain Rohit Sharma is anxious about the fitness levels of senior player KL Rahul.
India has taken an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match Test series against England. But the BCCI selection committee and Team India’s head coach Rahul Dravid are in a fix about a couple of players ahead of the fifth and final Test, hoping to finish the series on the high as 4-1. The last chapter of the fantastic series will be played in Dharamsala from March 7. Although there is still considerable time for the test match, the Indian side led by Rohit Sharma is worried about the fitness of senior batter KL Rahul.
Reports suggest that the wicketkeeper-batter has gone to London for a specialist consultation because he is still experiencing discomfort in his right quadriceps. This persistent injury is the reason he missed the second, third, and fourth Tests, and it's the same area he had surgery on last year.
The selection committee is expected to finalize the squad when the players meet in Chandigarh on March 2. Should Rahul remain unfit, Rajat Patidar would be the logical choice to continue; however, internal BCCI sources mention that the selectors may decide to drop Patidar from the group.
The 30-year-old Patidar has struggled to make an impact, failing to capitalize on his chances during the series. Across six innings, he managed a top score of only 32 and suffered two ducks. Consequently, the management wants him to return to the Ranji semifinals to rediscover his form. If Patidar is removed from the squad, it could create an opening for Devdutt Padikkal.