In a much-anticipated announcement, India has revealed its 18-man squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Test series against Australia. The series, a highlight of the international cricket calendar, is set to commence with the first of five matches on November 22 in Perth. This selection sees the inclusion of promising talents such as Abhimanyu Easwaran, Harshit Rana, and Nitish Reddy, while experienced spinner Kuldeep Yadav misses out due to ongoing fitness issues.
Abhimanyu Easwaran, a prolific run-scorer from Bengal, has earned his place in the squad, showcasing formidable form in domestic competitions. Easwaran’s recent performances have been nothing short of remarkable, with centuries in each of his last four first-class matches, spanning the Duleep Trophy, Ranji Trophy, and the Irani Cup. He joins the squad as the third-choice opener alongside stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal.
The strategic exclusion of Kuldeep Yadav has raised some eyebrows, as the spinner has been sent to the BCCI Centre of Excellence for a long-term solution to his persistent left groin problem following the ongoing Test series against New Zealand. In his absence, India’s spin department remains strong with the seasoned duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, who are set to play crucial roles on the Australian pitches.
The pace attack sees a robust line-up featuring the return of the dynamic pacer Prasidh Krishna, who has admirably bounced back from a stress fracture. Krishna’s stellar performance in the Duleep Trophy win with India A underscored his readiness for a return to the national Test side after his debut earlier this year in South Africa.
Fast bowler Harshit Rana’s inclusion comes on the back of an extraordinary year, during which he contributed significantly to his franchise’s victory in the Indian Premier League. Previously making it to the white-ball squads, his selection for the Test format marks a key milestone in what is proving to be a breakout year. Similarly, Andhra’s all-rounder Nitish Reddy has captured the selectors’ attention with his impressive performances in the Indian Premier League, earning him a Test call-up following his T20I debut.
India’s pace reserves include Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini, and Khaleel Ahmed, offering depth and flexibility in the bowling department.
. The reserves are well-prepared to step up if needed during this challenging tour down under.
Team captain Rohit Sharma will lead an experienced side featuring vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah. The batting line-up will heavily rely on seasoned campaigners such as Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Shubman Gill, aiming to provide the necessary backbone for the series against Australia’s formidable bowling attack.
Adding to the squad’s depth is Rishabh Pant, a player known for his match-defining performances in the past, who will don the keeping gloves in the playing eleven. Alongside him, fellow wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel offers an additional option in this specialist role.
Significantly absent from the tour is Mohammed Shami, who is currently recovering from an injury. Despite his absence, India’s pace attack remains potent, buoyed by the presence of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, both of whom have been key architects in India’s recent successes.
Washington Sundar, having made an impactful return to Test cricket during India’s previous tour of Australia, is also in the squad, providing an essential balance with his all-round abilities. However, Axar Patel, another key figure in recent test victories, has not been included for this series, which might suggest a strategic reshuffle in the spin department.
As India prepares to embark on this challenging tour, expectations are high with a blend of young talent and seasoned veterans. Both players and fans alike are eager to witness how this exciting squad will fare against the Australians in what promises to be a fiercely contested series. The team’s composition underscores a strategic vision aimed at maintaining India’s competitive edge in world cricket, particularly against an Australian side known for its resilience and tenacity at home. The selected squad represents both the promise of youth and the wisdom of experience — an intricate blend that could be India’s key to scripting success on Australian soil.