The selectors are keeping a close eye on the injury to Kedar Jadhav and although they are willing to wait till the final possible hour before taking a call, there are reports emerging which suggest that one of Axar Patel or Ambati Rayudu could be possible replacements in India’s World Cup squad.

“The BCCI national selectors have been kept apprised of Jadhav’s recovery process on a day-to-day basis. They are keeping a very close eye on his fitness in conjunction with physio Farhart. It’s too early to say whether Jadhav will be fit enough to take part in the tournament but call on that will be taken next week, probably as late as the departure date of the Indian team which is May 22,” a BCCI source informed CricketNext on Wednesday.

A team can name its replacement till May 23, according to ICC rules. However, the Indian selectors refrained from taking a call on the replacement when they met to pick India A squad.

ALSO READ: Virat Kohli reveals why Dinesh Karthik was picked ahead of Rishabh Pant

“The selectors had nominated five standbys to cover all bases. Since Jadhav is a specialist batsman, the selectors are looking at replacing him with either Ambati Rayudu or Axar Patel, who like Jadhav can chip in with a few overs as well.

“The other three standbys are Rishabh Pant, Ishant Sharma and Navdeep Saini. By naming Pant in India ‘A’ team’s ODI games against West Indies ‘A’ on Tuesday, the selectors have given a clear indication that for now they want the Delhi wicket-keeper to focus on Indian senior team’s West Indies tour which will follow immediately after the World Cup,” the source added.

First Published: May 16, 2019 13:11 IST