Grey Clouds Over Fitness Of Indian Players Ahead Of T20 Series Against England

India is set to play a five-match T20 series against England from 12th March at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. However, ahead of the start of the series, grey clouds over the fitness of Indian players have emerged. 

Various reports are suggesting that Varun Chakravarthy, T Natarajan, and Rahul Tewatia are doubtful to participate in the series against England. 

According to sources, Chakravarthy has failed his second fitness test while Tewatia, who is currently training with the Indian team, is awaiting his results. Both of them had failed the first fitness test. 

“He(Varun Chakravarthy) has failed to clear the YoYo test mark stipulated for a 2 km run at least twice,” a senior BCCI source told. 

 

It is understood that Rahul Chahar has been included as a backup in the squad in case Varun is completely ruled out of the series. Chahar, who was also in the reserves during the test series against England, was seen practicing with the Indian team ahead of the T20s. 

According to a report in ANI, T Natarajan, who had an incredible debut series in Australia earlier this year, is down with a knee and shoulder injury.  

"He is down with a knee and shoulder injury and is doubtful for the T20I series. We will have to take it one day at a time and it is a race against the time," the source at NCA said. 

The NCA medical staff is currently looking over the fitness of the 'yorker king' Natarajan and trying to get him ready at least for the later part of the series. 

After the conclusion of the T20 series, India is set to play England in three ODIs before the start of the Indian Premier League(IPL) 2021.