India’s Test Squad Announcement: Analysis and Insights
by MOHAMMED AZMATHULLA
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has revealed a 16-member squad for the initial two Tests against England, commencing on January 25 at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. As anticipated, Rohit Sharma will continue to lead the team, with Jasprit Bumrah serving as his vice-captain.
A notable feature of the squad is the inclusion of four designated spinners—Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel. Unfortunately, Mohammed Shami, still recovering from an ankle injury, won’t be part of the squad.
Ishan Kishan, who was initially considered as India’s wicket-keeping option, is also absent from the lineup. KL Rahul and KS Bharat have retained their spots, while Dhruv Jurel earns his first international call-up.
Despite challenging outings in South Africa, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, opening at No. 3 respectively, have retained their positions. Cheteshwar Pujara, despite a stellar double hundred for Saurashtra in the Ranji Trophy 2024, continues to wait on the sidelines.
Virat Kohli will maintain his position at No. 4, while Shreyas Iyer, despite a less impressive series in South Africa and being omitted from the ongoing T20I series against Afghanistan, remains in contention for the Test matches.
In the pace bowling department, alongside Bumrah, India will rely on Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, and Avesh Khan. Unfortunately, Prasidh Krishna, who was part of the South Africa tour, has been excluded due to a quadriceps injury sustained during a recent Ranji outing.
India’s squad for the first two Tests against England:
- Rohit Sharma (Captain)
- S Gill
- Y Jaiswal
- Virat Kohli
- S Iyer
- KL Rahul (Wicketkeeper)
- KS Bharat (Wicketkeeper)
- Dhruv Jurel (Wicketkeeper)
- R Ashwin
- R Jadeja
- Axar Patel
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Mohd. Siraj
- Mukesh Kumar
- Jasprit Bumrah (Vice-Captain)
- Avesh Khan
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