On Thursday (February 29), the BCCI unveiled the 16-member squad for Team India’s upcoming fifth and final Test match against England, scheduled to take place in Dharamsala from March 7.

Jasprit Bumrah, the star fast bowler, who was given a rest during the fourth Test in Ranchi to handle his workload, will return for the series’ conclusion.

However, experienced batsman KL Rahul will miss the fifth Test as he continues to recuperate from a quadriceps injury, sidelining him for the previous three matches as well.

“Mr. KL Rahul, whose participation in the final IDFC First Bank Test was subject to fitness, has been ruled out of the fifth and final Test in Dharamsala. The BCCI Medical Team is closely monitoring him and coordinating with specialists in London for further management of his issue,” BCCI said in a press release.

“Meanwhile, Mr. Jasprit Bumrah who was released from the squad for the 4th Test in Ranchi, will link-up with the squad in Dharamsala for the 5th Test,” it added.

In the meantime, all-rounder Washington Sundar has been granted permission to leave the Indian Test squad to represent Tamil Nadu in the upcoming Ranji Trophy semi-final against Mumbai, beginning on March 2. Sundar, although part of the Test squad, did not feature in any matches against England.

“He (Sundar) will join the India squad after the completion of the domestic fixture for the fifth Test, if need be,” BCCI’s release stated.

The board also shared an update on veteran pacer Mohammad Shami, who recently underwent an Achilles tendon surgery.

“Mohd. Shami successfully underwent a surgery on 26th February, 2024 for his right heel problem. He is recovering well and will soon head to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru to commence his rehabilitation process.”

Pacer Mukesh Kumar, previously released from the squad to participate in Bengal’s final Ranji Trophy fixture, has been re-included in the squad for the fifth Test.

The remainder of the squad remains unchanged, including rookie batsmen Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, and Devdutt Padikkal retaining their positions. Akash Deep, who made a notable impression during his debut Test in Ranchi, also retains his place in the side for the Dharamsala Test.

India’s 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, Akshar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep.

🚨 NEWS 🚨#TeamIndia's squad for the 5th @IDFCFIRSTBank Test against England in Dharamsala announced.

Details 🔽 #INDvENG https://t.co/SO0RXjS2dK

— BCCI (@BCCI) February 29, 2024