India might have secured an insurmountable 3-1 lead in the ongoing five-Test series against England. However, the status of KL Rahul’s fitness remains a significant concern leading up to the final match.

Following the conclusion of the fourth Test in Ranchi on February 26, attention now turns to the dead-rubber fifth Test scheduled to commence on March 7 in Dharamsala.

Despite the extended interval between matches, there are doubts surrounding Rahul’s availability. The seasoned batsman, absent from the last three Tests due to a quadriceps injury, remains uncertain for the series decider.

As per a report from Cricbuzz, Rahul, who was deemed 90 percent fit ahead of the third Test in Rajkot, has not fully recuperated, prompting the BCCI and the National Cricket Academy (NCA) to reconsider his situation. Consequently, he has been referred to a specialist in London for further assessment.

Rahul has been dealing with discomfort in his right quadriceps, a lingering issue from his surgery in 2023, which caused him to miss several matches. Given his versatility as both a wicketkeeper and a batsman, the selectors and team management are understandably cautious.

Before the penultimate Test, a BCCI announcement regarding Rahul stated, “KL Rahul will not be available for the 4th Test. His participation in the final Test match in Dharamsala depends on his fitness.”

The upcoming Dharamsala Test against England marks India’s final match before the commencement of IPL 2024, scheduled to begin on March 22.

Reports suggest that Rahul is highly likely to participate in the lucrative tournament representing the Lucknow Super Giants. His inclusion in the T20 World Cup 2024 squad will be contingent upon his performance in the forthcoming IPL season.

In the meantime, it’s anticipated that Jasprit Bumrah, India’s primary pace bowler, will make a comeback to the playing XI for the fifth Test match in Dharamsala. Bumrah was rested for the fourth Test to ensure he manages his workload effectively.

However, some batsmen and bowlers who have been consistently participating throughout the series may be granted a rest, given that the series has already been clinched.

Indian cricketers have been instructed to convene in Chandigarh on March 2. It’s expected that players from both teams will then travel to Dharamsala via chartered flights on March 3.