Virat Kohli is expected to miss the next two Tests against England and may miss the rest of the series.
Kohli missed the first two Tests for personal reasons and India are now preparing to play the rest of the series without him. It was initially thought he could return.
Kohli’s presence has been missed by India and Shreyas Iyer has not made an impression with the bat while deputising in his position at No 4.
It is a boost for England who may also face an India side in Rajkot without Jasprit Bumrah, with the selectors considering resting him.
Bumrah was the difference between the two teams in the second Test, his nine wickets containing England to scores below 300. His yorker to Ollie Pope in the first innings, when he also dismissed Joe Root in the same spell, was the ball of the series.
Bumrah’s pace, slower balls, reverse swing and yorkers make him the only bowler England have not attacked successfully in the two Tests so far and resting him for the third Test would be a gamble by India. He has now dismissed Root eight times in Test cricket, the most by any non-Australian bowler.
However, reports in the India media suggest Bumrah will be rotated in Rajkot with Mohammad Siraj returning as the sole seamer, despite the nine-day break between Tests.
India want both Bumrah and Siraj fully fit for the fifth Test in Dharamsala, which is likely to be the most seam-friendly surface of the tour.
Resting Bumrah in Rajkot does mean that even if England win, the series will still be alive for him to return in Ranchi for the fourth Test. There is another week’s gap between the fourth and fifth Test for further rest.
Bumrah bowled 32 overs in Vizag and just under 25 in Hyderabad. He had back surgery last year and India will be concerned about over-bowling their prized asset.
With Mohammad Shami possibly missing the entire series with an ankle injury, he has flown to London for treatment, Bumrah and Siraj are the two most senior seam bowlers.
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