NEW DELHI: Ben Stokes running out Ravindra Jadeja not only proved to be the turning point in the match on Day 4 of the first Test in Hyderabad, it also saw the star India all-rounder struggling with a hamstring problem soon after he failed to make his ground at the non-striker’s end.
With Jadeja now having a hamstring issue and the second Test scheduled to commence from February 2, the India no.1 all-rounder could be a doubtful starter in Visakhapatnam.
Jadeja, who was the top scorer in India’s first innings with 87 and also took five wickets across two innings, might have snapped a hamstring muscle as he immediately felt the area trying to go for a quick single before his run out in the second innings.
Jadeja didn’t look comfortable and head coach Rahul Dravid, wasn’t forthcoming about the extent of the damage.
“We’ll see. I honestly haven’t had a chance to speak to the physio as yet. Once I get back, I’ll speak to him and see what it is about,” Dravid said at the post-match media conference.
The extent of the hamstring injury decides the duration of lay-off but even if it is not a tear and just merely strain, it still might be advisable to give him rest for a week if not more.
The turnaround between first and second Test is a very short one — just four days.
It is still not clear whether Jadeja will travel with the team to Vizag or head to National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.
Jadeja had also missed out on a Test match last month in South Africa when he developed back spasms on the morning of the first Test in Centurion.
(With inputs from PTI)