India has announced its 16-member squad for the first two Tests against England in the upcoming series. Rohit Sharma will captain the team, and Jasprit Bumrah has been named vice-captain for the initial Tests. Mohammed Shami is absent due to injury, and other top players, including four spinners and four pacers, are included in the squad. The Test series will commence on January 25 at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, followed by matches in Vizag, Rajkot, Ranchi, and Dharamsala.
Bumrah, the 30-year-old pacer from Ahmedabad, has been in exceptional form, notably during the recent Tests against South Africa. With 140 wickets in 32 Tests, Bumrah has been a crucial part of the Indian Test team. He previously served as Rohit Sharma’s deputy in South Africa and led the team in a rescheduled Test against England in July 2022 during Rohit’s absence.
The Indian pace attack, led by Bumrah, will also feature Mohammed Siraj, Avesh Khan, and Mukesh Kumar, with Shami sidelined due to an ankle injury. Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav have been included in the squad, while Prasidh Krishna and Shardul Thakur, who played in South Africa, were left out for the first two Tests. KL Rahul, who was not selected as vice-captain, is included as a wicketkeeper alongside KS Bharat and Dhruv Jurel.
The full squad for the first two Tests against England includes Rohit Sharma (Captain), Jasprit Bumrah (Vice-Captain), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (Wicketkeeper), KS Bharat (Wicketkeeper), Dhruv Jurel (Wicketkeeper), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, and Avesh Khan.
This comprehensive squad aims to strengthen India’s position in the Test series against England, with a mix of experienced players and promising talents ready to make their mark in the upcoming matches.
In preparation for the upcoming five-match Test series against England, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled the 16-member squad for the initial two Tests. Scheduled to kick off on January 25 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, the series promises intense cricketing action across different venues.
Rohit Sharma, one of India’s seasoned cricketers, has been appointed as the captain for the Test matches. His leadership will be complemented by the vice-captaincy of Jasprit Bumrah, the 30-year-old pace sensation hailing from Ahmedabad. Bumrah’s selection as vice-captain is notable, considering the competition from other experienced players like KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja.
The absence of Mohammed Shami, currently recovering from an ankle injury, has prompted Bumrah to lead India’s pace attack. This formidable bowling lineup also includes the likes of Mohammed Siraj, Avesh Khan, and Mukesh Kumar. However, notable exclusions from the pace department are Prasidh Krishna and Shardul Thakur, who played in the recent Test series against South Africa.
The spin department sees the inclusion of Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav, indicating the team’s strategic balance. Axar Patel, known for his left-arm spin, has been a consistent performer for India in the longer format. Kuldeep Yadav, on the other hand, makes a return to the Test squad after last featuring in December 2022 against Bangladesh, where he showcased his prowess with a five-wicket haul.
In the wicketkeeping department, KL Rahul secures a spot, signaling his versatility across formats. He will be joined by KS Bharat and Dhruv Jurel, providing depth to the squad’s wicketkeeping options. Rahul, despite not being named vice-captain, continues to play a crucial role in the team as both a batsman and a wicketkeeper.
The batsmen’s lineup includes the dynamic trio of Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and the former captain Virat Kohli. Shreyas Iyer, known for his consistent performances in domestic and international cricket, adds depth to the batting order.
The full squad stands as follows: Rohit Sharma (C), Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), KS Bharat (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, and Avesh Khan.
This carefully curated squad under Rohit Sharma’s leadership aims to showcase a blend of experience and fresh talent, providing a formidable challenge for the English team in the upcoming Test series. As the cricketing world eagerly anticipates the action, fans are looking forward to witnessing the performances of these players in what promises to be a captivating series.