KL Rahul sidelined for 3rd India vs England Test, Sarfaraz Khan poised for debut : Report

Indian batter KL Rahul has been ruled out of the third Test against England. KL Rahul's absence, however, has opened the door for Sarfaraz Khan's potential debut in the upcoming game in Rajkot. According to a report by the Indian Express, the BCCI's medical team has advised that Rahul requires additional time to attain full fitness for the rigours of Test cricket.

This development follows the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) conditional inclusion of Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja in the squad for the final three matches of the series, contingent upon their fitness clearance.

While Jadeja has been cleared to participate in the crucial match, with the series currently standing at a 1-1 tie, Rahul's fitness has been deemed inadequate for immediate return to the field. The medical experts have opted to extend their assessment of Rahul's condition by another week before making a definitive decision on his availability. Rahul's fitness issues came to light following a right quadriceps injury he sustained during the first Test in Hyderabad, which also led to his withdrawal from the second Test at Vizag.

The Indian team has faced a series of injuries and withdrawals that have impacted their lineup, notably including Virat Kohli's absence due to personal reasons and Shreyas Iyer's exclusion based on performance.

In light of these developments, Devdutt Padikkal, another batsman from Karnataka, has been called up as Rahul's replacement. Padikkal's recent performances in the Ranji Trophy, where he notched up impressive scores including a 151 in his last match, have solidified his selection. His form has been consistent throughout the season, further highlighted by a 193 against Punjab and a century against Goa, along with notable contributions in the India A matches against the England Lions.

Here's how Ravindra Jadeja's wife Rivaba responded to rift allegations with father-in-law