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The upcoming third Test match between India and England, scheduled to be played in Rajkot from February 15, is already marred by uncertainties for Team India. Middle-order batsman Shreyas Iyer, a key contributor to the team's batting lineup, is facing doubts about his availability due to an injury, raising concerns for the home side.
The series is currently level at 1-1 after England won the first Test in Hyderabad, and India emerged victorious in the second Test in Visakhapatnam. With the series hanging in the balance, India is keen to secure an advantage in the upcoming match. However, the potential absence of Shreyas Iyer poses a significant setback for the team.
Iyer, dealing with back issues for the past 12 months, is reported to be struggling with fitness concerns related to his back. The National Cricket Academy (NCA) has communicated with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding Iyer's fitness, expressing concerns about his participation not only in the upcoming Test but potentially throughout the series.
Reports suggest that Iyer's back problems could make it challenging for him to play in the next three Test matches. A final decision on his availability is expected after further assessments, possibly in a meeting scheduled on Friday. The uncertainty surrounding Iyer's fitness adds to the challenges faced by the selection committee, as several other key players, including Mohammed Shami, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Ravindra Jadeja, are already dealing with injuries.
Apart from Shreyas Iyer, experienced players such as Mohammed Shami, KL Rahul, and Ravindra Jadeja are also nursing injuries, making the team's selection process a complex task for the upcoming Tests. While KL Rahul's return is anticipated for the third Test, the availability of Virat Kohli remains uncertain due to personal reasons.
In the past year, Shreyas Iyer has been struggling with back issues, and he underwent surgery after the Ahmedabad Test against Australia. Despite his successful return to the Asia Cup and an impressive performance in the World Cup, persistent fitness concerns have now raised doubts about his participation in the crucial Test series against England.
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