In a highly anticipated showdown, the Rohit Sharma-led Indian cricket team is gearing up to take on England in the third Test at the newly renamed Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. With the series deadlocked at 1-1, the stakes are high as both sides vie for supremacy.
Winning the toss, Rohit Sharma elected to bat first, setting the stage for an intriguing battle on the pitch. However, the toss also brought forth significant changes in the Indian lineup, with Sharma calling for four alterations, including the inclusion of two debutants.
Anil Kumble, the head coach, handed Sarfaraz Khan his debut Test cap, while seasoned campaigner Dinesh Karthik bestowed the honor upon Dhruv Jurel. These young talents will be eager to make their mark on the international stage and contribute to India’s quest for victory.
Furthermore, the absence of Axar Patel and Mukesh Kumar raised eyebrows, with Mohammed Siraj and Ravindra Jadeja stepping in to fill the void. Jadeja’s return from injury adds depth to the team’s bowling attack, providing Sharma with a versatile arsenal to combat England’s batting lineup.
Although the reasons behind Patel and Kumar’s exclusion were not initially disclosed, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) later clarified on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that Mukesh Kumar had been released from the squad. According to the BCCI update, Kumar will rejoin his Ranji Trophy team, Bengal, for their upcoming fixture before reuniting with Team India in Ranchi.
As the match unfolds, India’s Playing XI for the third Test against England comprises Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah (vc), and Mohammed Siraj. This lineup embodies a blend of experience and youthful exuberance, reflecting India’s commitment to fostering talent and achieving success on the international stage.
