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October 27, 2024
India has announced an 18-man squad for the eagerly awaited Border-Gavaskar Test series, which kicks off on November 22 in Perth. The selection includes promising players Abhimanyu Easwaran, Harshit Rana, and Nitish Reddy, highlighting the team’s commitment to infusing fresh talent into the lineup.
However, notable absentees include Kuldeep Yadav, who has been sidelined due to ongoing health concerns. He will be referred to the BCCI Centre of Excellence following the conclusion of the current Test series against New Zealand to address his chronic left groin issue and seek a long-term solution.
India squad: Rohit Sharma (C), Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (WK), R Ashwin, R Jadeja, Mohd. Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar
Reserves:Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini, Khaleel Ahmed
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Bengal’s run accumulator, Abhimanyu Easwaran, has been rewarded for his impressive consistency in domestic cricket, earning a spot as the third-choice opener for the upcoming series. He will travel alongside established players Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Easwaran’s selection is well-deserved, as he comes into the squad with a remarkable streak, having scored a century in each of his last four first-class matches, which includes standout performances in the Duleep Trophy, Ranji Trophy, and the Irani Cup.
His recent form underscores his ability to perform under pressure and contribute significantly to the team’s batting lineup. Easwaran’s achievements in these prestigious domestic tournaments showcase his readiness to step up on the international stage, making him a valuable addition to India’s squad as they prepare for the highly competitive Border-Gavaskar series.
India has opted not to include Mohammed Shami in the squad as he continues his recovery, but they remain well-equipped in the pace department with the dynamic duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj leading the attack. Akash Deep retains his place in the team after delivering impressive performances during home series against England and Bangladesh.
In a notable return, Prasidh Krishna is back in the Test squad after making his debut in South Africa earlier this year. The Karnataka pacer had been sidelined for an extended period due to a stress fracture but showcased his abilities in India A’s recent Duleep Trophy title win last month. With this strong lineup, India is poised to maintain its competitive edge in the fast-bowling department during the upcoming Border-Gavaskar series.
Fast bowler Harshit Rana has capped off an impressive 2024 season, which included playing a pivotal role in an IPL title victory, with his first Test call-up. This recognition comes after he was previously selected for India’s white-ball squads, underscoring his rapid rise in the cricketing ranks. Similarly, Andhra’s medium-pace all-rounder Nitish Reddy joins him, having made a notable impact in the IPL, followed by a T20I debut and now receiving a Test call-up.
To bolster their pace options, India is also bringing a reserve trio of Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini, and Khaleel Ahmed. This strategy ensures depth and versatility within the bowling unit as the team prepares for the challenging Border-Gavaskar series. With a blend of established and emerging talents, India is set to field a competitive squad capable of adapting to various match situations.
Washington Sundar, currently making a significant return to red-ball cricket following his debut during India’s previous tour of Australia, has been included in the squad. His recent performances have showcased his potential as a valuable asset in the Test format. In contrast, Axar Patel has not been selected this time, marking a notable shift in the team’s composition as they prepare for the upcoming challenges.
Sundar’s all-round capabilities will be crucial as India looks to strengthen its batting and bowling options. His inclusion reflects the selectors’ confidence in his ability to perform under pressure and contribute effectively in the Test arena, especially in the demanding conditions expected during the Border-Gavaskar series.
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Tests | Venue | Dates |
1st | Perth Stadium, Perth | November 22-26 |
2nd (D/N) | Adelaide Oval | December 6-10 |
3rd | The Gabba, Brisbane | December 14-18 |
4th | MCG, Melbourne | December 26-30 |
5th | SCG, Sydney | January 3-7 |
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