(Cricket News) As soon as India qualified for the World Test Championship final, there were always concerns due to the tight schedule. The IPL is going on in full flow and the final is set to be played on the 28th of May while the WTC final will start on the 7th of June at the Oval. There isn’t much time in between especially considering that the players have to switch formats, conditions, and balls.

Australia on the other hand have only David Warner, Cameron Green, and Josh Hazelwood who are the only players playing in the IPL. Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, and Jasprit Bumrah were ruled out a long time ago.  It was always likely that India will have workload management issues and injury problems have already given India a major headache. 

KL Rahul suffered a thigh injury while fielding during Lucknow Super Giants. It immediately looked like a serious injury as he limped off the field. He has now gone through surgery and is expected to be out for quite some time which makes his participation in the ODI World Cup in danger as well. Rahul had already lost his place as an opener to Shubman Gill but there was a chance of him keeping wickets in the absence of Rishabh Pant.

KS Bharat kept wickets in the Border-Gavaskar trophy but now in English conditions keeping isn’t as tricky and Rahul would be able to do it. He would’ve been preferred due to his experience and good record in England. Now Bharat is likely to be the Wicketkeeper as uncapped Ishan Kishan has been called up as a replacement. Like Ajinkya Rahane, Wriddhiman Saha is also having a good IPL and he could’ve been called back given his experience.

Jaydev Unadkat fell on his shoulder while bowling in the nets and has since been at the NCA. His availability is doubtful while Umesh Yadav is also struggling with a niggle. Neither has been officially ruled out but it is a big possibility. Even Shardul Thakur had struggled with his fitness during the IPL. India have named uncapped fast bowler Mukesh Kumar as a backup along with batters Suryakumar Yadav and Ruturaj Gaikwad. Surprisingly there is still no place for Sarfaraz Khan.

Also read: Real Madrid and Manchester City draw 1-1 in entertaining 1st leg