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With the five-match Test series against England already in India’s pocket, the Rohit Sharma-led Team India is likely to make some changes in their Playing XI for the fifth Test, set to be played from March 7 to 11 in Dharamsala. It is to be noted that India has so far handed four debut caps in the ongoing Test series against England.
Reports reveal that India is expected to play Devdutt Padikkal in the XI for the Dharamsala Test. With KL Rahul ruled out of the fifth Test and Rajat Patidar looking off-colours, the Indian team management is mulling to give a chance to Padikkal. In fact, a BCCI source had earlier told Hindustan Times, “Padikkal will make his debut in Dharamsala. Rahul is unlikely to be available and the team management wants to have a look at Padikkal as it is the last international fixture before the IPL.”
Moreover, following the conclusion of Ranchi Test, Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar convened with the head coach Rahul Dravid, alongside other members of the support staff and captain Rohit Sharma on Padikkal’s inclusion with KL Rahul looking doubtful for the final Test. However, the final decision on Padikkal’s Test debut will come to be known on March 7 when India takes on England in Dharamsala.
The Kerala-born cricketer has so far represented India in two T20Is after he made his international debut against Sri Lanka in July 2021. Padikkal has been brilliant in the Ranji Trophy, producing crucial knock of 193 (against Punjab), 103 (against Goa). He also scored a century in India A’s two unofficial Tests against England Lions.
India’s squad for fifth Test against England:
Rohit Sharma (C), Jasprit Bumrah (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (wk), K Bharat (wk), Devdutt Padikkal, R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep.
