India squad for Dharmsala Test: KL Rahul ruled out, Jasprit Bumrah to return, Washington Sundar released to play Ranji Trophy SFs | Cricket News

KL Rahul has been ruled out for the fifth and final Test match against England, starting from March 7 in Dharamsala, the BCCI said in a statement.
Rahul was earlier ruled out for the second, third, and fourth at Vizag, Rajkot, and Ranchi, respectively after he had complained of right quadriceps pain during the first Test match in Hyderabad.
“KL Rahul, whose participation in the final 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 specials in London for further management of his issue,” read the BCCI statement.
India’s bowling spearhead, Jaasprit Bumrah, who was given a break for the Ranchi Test to manage his workload is set to join the squad for the last Test.
In the first three Tests so far, more than the spinners, it is Bumrah who has had England in all sorts of trouble with his lethal reverse swing. Though the workload management system hasn’t raised any red flags as yet, given his hory of back issues, it was inevitable that India would have to play a Test without him in the ongoing series.
Bumrah turned the Vizag Test in India’s favor with nine wickets, including a brilliant six for 45 in the first innings during an eventual 106-run win. Bumrah has bowled 80.5 overs in the series, snapping up 17 wickets at an average of 13.65.
“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,” said the BCCI statement.
All-rounder Washington Sundar has been released from the squad and he will join the Tamil Nadu squad for their Ranji Trophy clash against Mumbai, starting from March 2.
“Washington Sundar has been released from the squad. He will join Tamil Nadu – his Ranji Trophy side – for their Ranji Trophy Semi-final fixture against Mumbai, starting March 2nd. He will join the India squad after the completion of the domestic fixture for the fifth Test if need be,” said BCCI.
Mohammad Shami, who completed a right Achilles tendon surgery in London on Monday will undergo the rehab at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. Shami has not featured in a competitive game since India’s ODI World Cup final defeat to Australia in Ahmedabad in November 2023. The wily seamer emerged as the tournament’s highest wicket-taker with 24 scalps from seven matches at an average of 10.70
“Mohammad Shami successfully underwent surgery on February 26 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.”
India’s updated 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, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep.