India’s pace spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah, is poised to rejoin the squad ahead of the crucial Dharamsala Test against England. The 30-year-old vice-captain was given a breather during the fourth Test in Ranchi to manage his workload, considering the packed schedule ahead, which includes the IPL and the T20 World Cup.

Bumrah’s return boosts Indian Bowling line-up

Bumrah’s absence in Ranchi saw Bengal seamer Akash Deep step up in India’s XI. However, with Bumrah’s return, the Indian pace attack is expected to regain its formidable edge. Alongside Mohammed Siraj and Mukesh Kumar, Bumrah will add firepower to the team’s bowling arsenal, crucial in a match likely to favor fast bowlers.

See Also: Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer may face tough times in T20 World Cup

In unfortunate news, senior batter KL Rahul has been officially ruled out of the Test due to a persistent quadriceps injury. Rahul’s ongoing struggle with the injury, originating from discomfort during the series opener in Hyderabad, has prompted the BCCI to seek expert advice in London. With his pivotal role in the team, caution is paramount to ensure his full recovery.

Concerns over Rahul’s injury ahead of series decider

Meanwhile, all-rounder Washington Sundar has been granted permission to participate in the Ranji Trophy semifinal for Tamil Nadu against Mumbai. Sundar will rejoin the Test squad in Dharamsala post the domestic fixture, providing additional depth to the team’s resources.

India’s updated squad for the 5th Test: Rohit Sharma (c), Jasprit Bumrah (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (WK), KS Bharat (WK), Devdutt Padikkal, R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep.