Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been deemed unfit and he will not be selected in the squad for final two Tests | Photo Credit: AP

Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has failed to recover from the back issue and will not be available for selection for the final two Tests of the series, a report in The Mumbai Mirror suggests. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had expectations of him getting fit for the final two games, the reason behind it mentioned that a decision over his selection will be taken afterward. Now when the pacer is unavailable, Shardul Thakur might retain his place when the squad for the last two games will be named after the completion of the third Test.

Bhuvneshwar had aggravated his back issue during the third ODI and the final ODI of the series against England on July 17. He wasn’t fully fit to participate in the game, as it looked, but played the final ODI. The issue that emerged was enough to keep the pacer out for the first three Tests of the series.

The 28-year-old recently shared few images on social media in which he was seen lifting weights, which gives an indication that he is on road to recovery and the team management will be hoping for him to get fit for the Asia Cup, that will be played next month.

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Despite Bhuvneshwar’s participation in the final two Tests almost over, the Indian team has got a big boost as Jasprit Bumrah seems to be fit and he is almost confirmed to get his place back in the Test team. He warmed the bench for the first two games as he had not recovered from the fractured thumb.

The 24-year-old had suffered the injury in the T20I game against Ireland on June 27, which ruled him out of the limited-overs’ leg against England. As per Bharat Arun, team India’s bowling coach, he wasn’t match fit to participate in the second Test. The third Test of India-England series kicks off on Saturday.