Ahead of the first Test of the five-match series against hosts England, the Indian Test team suffered a blow on Monday as opener Mayank Agarwal was ruled out of the affair after being hit on the head during a practice session.
The first Test will begin at Trent Bridge on Wednesday.
“Opening batsman Mayank Agarwal was hit on the helmet while batting during India’s nets session at Trent Bridge in Nottingham on Monday,” the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said in a statement.
“The BCCI Medical Team assessed him, and a concussion test was conducted. He has shown signs of concussion and is ruled out of the opening Test against England. The 30-year-old is stable and will remain under close medical observation,” the Board added in the statement.
Earlier, the visitors had lost opener Shubman Gill to an injury on his lower left leg while his replacement Prithvi Shaw is yet to arrive in England.
Meanwhile, Washington Sundar and Avesh Khan too, are already out of the series.
Speaking to mediapersons, vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane did not disclosed the playing XI or who would open the innings with Rohit Sharma. He however, ruled out the possibility of No. 3 batsman Cheteshwar Pujara being pushed up the batting order.
“Pujara is our No. 3 batsman. We are again finalising our combination. So it has not yet been finalised. Pujara has been really solid as No. 3 batsman so he will continue to bat at No. 3 but for the opening pair, captain, coach and team management will have to decide,” he said.
Rahane, who had mild swelling around his left upper hamstring had missed the warm-up game against County Select XI in Durham last month, said on his fitness: “I had a small niggle but I am fully fit now. And whatever physios and trainers asked me to do, I completed all those stuff in practice sessions. I am looking forward to the Tests. I am completely prepared. Preparation has been really good so far for me. Even I didn’t play the three-day game; I was practicing on the side. We had a good couple of practice sessions. Yes, we are completely ready and fit.”