India vs England: Wriddhiman Saha, Mohammed Shami ruled out of Chennai Test

Saha, reportedly is undergoing a rehabilitation programme at the NCA.

New Delhi: First choice wicket-keeper Wriddhiman Saha and seamer Mohammed Shami have been ruled out of Chennai Test.

India might be set to take an unassailable 3-0 lead over England after the conclusion of Mumbai Test, but they haven't had the luxury of putting the first choice XI so far.

Injuries to KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma were already known but mid-series injuries have also made Virat Kohli, Anil Kumble and selectors dig deep in search to put a strong XI in place.

Injury to Wriddhiman Saha saw Parthiv Patel being brought back in the Indian line-up after 8-year-long absence while Bhuvneshwar Kumar has also been in and out of the lineup.

Now, ahead of the 5th Test between India and England which is scheduled to take place in Chennai on December 16-20, wicket-keeper batsman Wriddhiman Saha and star seamer Mohammed Shami has barred Virat Kohli off first XI preference yet again, BCCI have confirmed.

A BCCI release on Sunday stated: "Shami has soreness in his right knee and has been advised rest and rehabilitation. He will be going to the National Cricket Academy, Bengaluru to start his recovery programme. Saha who suffered a hamstring tendon injury in the second Test of the ongoing series against England at Vizag, is undergoing rehabilitation programme at the NCA."

Shami, who was not a part of the 4th Test in Mumbai too, was replaced by Bhuvneshwar Kumar as Ishant Sharma was released considering his wedding on December 9.

Ishant, who will be desperate to make his comeback, should be a part of the squad in Chennai after his marriage celebrations conclude.

Meanwhile, Parthiv Patel looks set to replace Saha for third match in row but it remains to be seen if the selectors hand young wicketer keeper batsman Rishabh Pant a chance considering India would have won the Test series by the time they head to Chennai.