IND vs ENG 2024: 3 big selection calls for India ahead of 4th Test match

After an emphatic win in the third Test in Rajkot, India now have a few selection calls to make ahead of the fourth Test match. The biggest one would be the rest given to Jasprit Bumrah and the inclusion of KL Rahul in the playing XI. Rajat Patidar has not quite cracked the code in Test cricket as yet, and his spot too will be under the scanner. The team would also be wary not to disturb a settled combination as they look to seal the series in Ranchi.

Here we take a look at the 3 major selection questions ahead of the fourth Test:

3. Will KL Rahul return?

KL Rahul pulled out of the third Test match and this saw Sarfaraz Khan making his debut and light up Rajkot. He looked at ease against the pacers and really dominated the spinners.

Now, there is a high probability that KL Rahul will make his comeback for the fourth India-England Test starting in Ranchi on February 23. Rohit Sharma gave an update on his availability in the post-match press conference in Rajkot on Sunday, stating confidently, "He should be okay”.

2. Will Rajat Patidar be dropped?

With KL Rahul almost certain to be included in the team, the axe might fall on Rajat Patidar who did not have a good match in Rajkot. The Madhya Pradesh batter has only scored 46 runs across his four Test innings thus far after he was roped in as a replacement for Virat Kohli. 

Dhruv Jurel impressed as a wicketkeeper-batter in the squad and with Rahul coming back from an injury, it is highly unlikely he will take up the gloves. As such, Patidar could be benched in Ranchi to make way for KL Rahul.

1. Who replaces Jasprit Bumrah?

As per several reports, Jasprit Bumrah will be rested for this fourth Test keeping in mind his workload. Bumrah, who is the leading wicket-taker in the series with 17 wickets at an average of 13.64, has already sent down 80.5 overs across the three games.

Currently, there is no information on who will be his replacement. Mukesh Kumar, who was released from the squad ahead of the third Test to take part in a Ranji game for his state Bengal, will rejoin the squad in Ranchi. India also included another Bengal seamer, Akash Deep, in the squad for the Rajkot Test. One of these players could be Bumrah’s replacement for the Ranchi Test.