Saurabh, the Uttar Pradesh left-arm spinner, could be in line for his debut as a like-for-like replacement for Jadeja. He has been a consistent performer in the Ranji Trophy and the ongoing unofficial Test series against Bangladesh A, he has emerged as the highest wicket-taker so far with ten strikes at an average of 15.30. Saurabh can also contribute with the bat lower down the order, as he showed during his 39-ball 55 in Sylhet on Thursday.

Saini, if he is promoted to the senior side, will join Umesh Yadav, Shardul Thakur, and Mohammed Siraj as India’s seam-bowling options for the series. Rohit Sharma, the captain, is in doubt for the Test-series opener after having injured his thumb during the second ODI in Mirpur on Wednesday. Rohit has since returned home to Mumbai to consult a specialist but the BCCI is yet to provide the latest update.

After India conceded the ODI series 2-0, Rohit expressed his frustration at India’s mounting injury list. Deepak Chahar (hamstring strain) and Kuldeep Sen (stiff back) are also on that list. “I mean there are a few injury concerns,” Rohit said. “We need to try and get to the bottom of it. I don’t know what exactly it is. Maybe they’re playing too much cricket. We need to try and monitor those guys because it’s important to understand when they come for India, they need to be 100%, in fact, more than 100%.”