India has announced a 15-player squad for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand. Mohammed Shami is still absent as he continues to recover from an injury. Jasprit Bumrah has been appointed as the vice-captain for the series.
The full squad includes: Rohit Sharma (C), Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep.
Shami, who last played for India in the Men’s World Cup final against Australia in November last year, remains unavailable due to his injury. The rest of the squad features expected names following India’s 2-0 Test series win over Bangladesh last month.
Left-arm pacer Yash Dayal, who was part of the squad for the Bangladesh series, has been left out.
Additionally, three fast bowlers — Harshit Rana, Mayank Yadav, and Prasidh Krishna — have been selected as traveling reserves, along with all-rounder Nitish Reddy.
The Test series will begin in Bengaluru on October 16.
Why Mohammed Shami Was Out?
Mohammed Shami misses out on the upcoming Test series as he continues to recover from an injury sustained during the Men’s World Cup final against Australia in November last year. After undergoing surgery, Shami is aiming to return for the series against Australia.
The Indian selectors have allowed him more time to fully recover, as the spin-friendly conditions in India lessen the immediate need for pace. The squad is spin-heavy, featuring Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav, who are expected to play key roles on such pitches.
Additionally, no backup opener has been selected, with Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal expected to open the batting, as they did in the previous series against Bangladesh. Shubman Gill is likely to continue at No.3, while Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel are the two wicketkeeping options.
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