Rehan Ahmed leaves India tour for personal reasons

GEORGE DOBELL: 19-year-old Rehan played in the first three Tests of the series and claimed 11 wickets, making him England's second-highest wicket-taker of the series

George Dobell | 23/02/2024 at 04:05

Rehan Ahmed is out of England's tour of India due to personal reasons.

Rehan, the leg-spinning allrounder, is to fly back to England today (Friday) and will not rejoin the tour.

England will not be sending for a replacement.

19-year-old Rehan played in the first three Tests of the series and claimed 11 wickets, making him England's second-highest wicket-taker of the series.

He was left out of the team for the fourth Test, however, with England instead opting for the height and accuracy of finger-spinner Shoaib Bashir on a surface which is expected to offer significant assistance to the bowlers.

Rehan's departure is not linked to his non-selection for the Ranchi Test.

rehan230202

^{Rehan took 11 wickets in three matches (Punit Paranjpe/AFP via Getty Images)}

With only one Test to go after Ranchi and conditions in Dharamshala expected to favour seam bowling, the England management have concluded they do not need to send for reinforcements. It does mean, however, their tour party is reduced to 15 for the last few weeks of the tour.

Rehan had enjoyed a pretty decent series. While his wickets came at a cost of 44 apiece, he bowled with ever greater control and had a better strike-rate (64.60) than all the England bowlers except Tom Hartley (59.70).

He also impressed the England management with his attitude and was promoted to bat at No.3 in the second innings of the second Test in Vizag.

Subscribers get exclusive access to the best analysis of England's Test tour of India from our chief correspondent George Dobell. Join them by signing up here for just £3.99!