BCCI men’s national selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, unveiled a 16-member squad for the initial two tests in the upcoming five-match Test series versus England.
The recent squad announcement for the upcoming test series against England maintains the core group from the last encounter with South Africa. Notably absent are seasoned players like Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane, signaling a potential conclusion to their test careers. In a shift, spin-bowling all-rounder Axar Patel steps in for fast-bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur in the 16-member lineup revealed on Friday.
Ishan Kishan, who took a break due to mental fatigue during the South African test tour, finds himself excluded from the squad, at least for the initial two tests against England. KL Rahul, who donned the wicket-keeper’s gloves in India’s last test series in South Africa, retains his role, sharing the position with KS Bharat, who stepped in for Ishan Kishan during the recent South African tour.
The wicket-keeper batsman Dhruv Jurel, who has been training with the India A team as of late, has received his maiden national test call-up for the forthcoming England series. He has stiff competition from veterans like KL Rahul and KS Bharat for a spot in the starting lineup, therefore his future is uncertain.
Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Ravi Ashwin are all-rounders with a focus on spin, and Kuldeep Yadav is another spinner on the team. Along with Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, and the recently recruited Avesh Khan, vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah will spearhead the fast-bowling assault. Regrettably, Mohammed Shami, the veteran pacer, will be out for the first of the two tests due to a knee injury.
The inaugural Test is scheduled for January 25 at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
India squad for first two tests against England:
Rohit Sharma (C ), S Gill, Y Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, S Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), KS Bharat (wk), Dhruv Jurel (wk), R Ashwin, R Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Avesh Khan.
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