In a major announcement on Friday, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) unveiled the 15-member squad for the initial two Test matches against England, scheduled to commence later this month. The upcoming five-match Test series, set to kick off on January 25, promises thrilling encounters as India aims to build on its recent success in South Africa. However, the squad announcement came with a few surprising omissions and inclusions that have sparked discussions among cricket enthusiasts.
One of the most unexpected exclusions was the absence of Ishan Kishan from the squad, making way for the uncapped Dhruv Jurel. The decision to drop Kishan raised eyebrows, especially considering his potential role as one of the specialist keepers on spin-friendly home pitches. Addressing Kishan’s non-selection for the T20I series against Afghanistan, head coach Rahul Dravid revealed that the Jharkhand player had requested a break and would make himself available for selection after participating in domestic cricket.
The inclusion of 22-year-old Dhruv Jurel in the squad marks a significant milestone in his burgeoning career. Jurel, who made his IPL debut last season, has been making waves with consistent performances. His selection indicates a shift in the team’s strategy, providing an opportunity for younger talents to prove their mettle on the international stage. Jurel’s recent exploits include featuring in the Emerging Teams Asia Cup and keeping wickets for the India A team in South Africa.
KL Rahul and KS Bharat have been included as wicketkeeping options in the squad, with Rahul expected to focus more on his batting skills. The absence of Mohammed Shami due to ongoing rehabilitation from a serious injury is a notable setback for the team. Shami, who received the Arjuna Award in New Delhi, has not played for India since the ODI World Cup final.
The fast-bowling department will be spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, with Bumrah named as the deputy to captain Rohit Sharma. The experienced duo of Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav will lead the spin attack, complemented by the veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who continues his pursuit of 500 Test wickets.
The batting order seems to have a settled look, with Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal opening, Shubman Gill at No. 3, and Virat Kohli at No. 4. However, the focus will be on Shreyas Iyer, who faces pressure to perform after a lean patch in South Africa. The exclusion of Prasidh Krishna, nursing a left quadriceps injury, and the absence of the recovering Mohammed Shami pose challenges for the pace department.
Mukesh Kumar and Avesh Khan, who impressed in their recent outings, retain their spots in the squad. Mukesh Kumar showcased his skills at Newlands, while Avesh Khan made a late entry following India’s loss in the Centurion Test. Unfortunately, Prasidh Krishna, who had a tough couple of Tests, missed out due to injury.
Ind vs Eng Squad for the first two Tests:
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.
The upcoming series promises intense cricketing action, with the first two Tests scheduled in Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam before moving to Rajkot for the third Test. With the seasoned campaigners and emerging talents in the squad, India aims to assert its dominance against an impressive England side.
Ind vs Eng Test Series: Schedule
Jan 25, Thursday: India vs England 1st Test – 9:30 AM IST, Hyderabad
Feb 2, Friday: India vs England 2nd Test – 9:30 AM IST, Visakhapatnam
Feb 15, Thursday: India vs England 3rd Test – 9:30 AM IST, Rajkot
Feb 23, Friday: India vs England 4th Test – 9:30 AM IST, Ranchi
Mar 7, Thursday: India vs England 5th Test – 9:30 AM IST, Dharamsala
As the cricketing fraternity eagerly awaits the series, the selection choices made by the BCCI have added an extra layer of intrigue. Fans will be keenly watching the performances of the chosen players, especially the likes of Dhruv Jurel, as they aim to make a mark and contribute to India’s success in the Test arena.