The Indian cricket team is gearing up for a five-match Test series in England. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the squad, with some notable exclusions. Mohammed Shami, a seasoned fast bowler, hasn’t made the cut. According to Ajit Agarkar, chairman of the selection committee, Shami’s fitness levels aren’t suited for the demands of Test cricket.
Shami’s absence is a significant one, given his experience in the format. The BCCI’s medical panel had assessed his fitness, and Agarkar revealed that Shami’s body can’t handle the pressure of red-ball cricket. This decision has raised eyebrows, as Shami has been a key player for India in the past.
Another surprising omission is that of Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane, both seasoned batsmen. Pujara last played a Test match in June 2023, scoring 41 runs in the Oval Test against Australia. He’s been out of the team for nearly two years. Rahane, on the other hand, last played a Test series in July 2023 against West Indies.
So, who’s made the cut? The 18-man squad features some new faces. Shubman Gill has been named captain, with Rishabh Pant as his deputy. Other notable inclusions are KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Sai Sudarshan. The bowling attack will be led by Mohammed Siraj, Ravindra Jadeja, and Shardul Thakur. The team also features Washington Sundar, Karun Nair, and Kuldeep Yadav.
This new-look team will be eager to make a mark in England. With some experienced players missing out, it’s an opportunity for the younger guns to step up and prove themselves. The series promises to be an exciting one, with India looking to make a statement in the Test arena.