India Reveals 16-Man Squad for Initial Tests Against England, Shami and Ishan Kishan To Miss Out

IND vs ENG Test Series

In a significant squad announcement by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Friday evening, a 16-man squad has been named for the upcoming first two Tests against England, scheduled to commence from January 25. The young and talented 22-year-old, Dhruv Jurel, earns his maiden call-up as a backup wicketkeeping option, filling in for Ishan Kishan.

IND vs ENG Test Series

Notably, veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami has been excluded from the squad as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury sustained during the 2023 ODI World Cup campaign in November last year.

Despite Shami’s optimism about a Test squad return, the selectors seem to have prioritized his continued rest as a precautionary measure for the later stages of the series against England.

Additionally, the fast-bowling lineup will miss Prasidh Krishna, who suffered a quadriceps injury during Karnataka’s Ranji Trophy clash against Gujarat.

4. Avesh Khan retains his place in the squad, showcasing the selectors’ confidence in him following his impressive performance for India A during the South Africa tour.

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The pace attack for India includes vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, and Avesh Khan. The spin combination comprises Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav.

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The surprise inclusion in the squad is Uttar Pradesh cricketer Dhruv Jurel, who serves as a backup wicketkeeper to KL Rahul and KS Bharat. Jurel, part of the India A team in December, has showcased his batting prowess in domestic cricket, scoring runs consistently.

The squad comprises

Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), KS Bharat (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah (VC), and Avesh Khan.

Kavya Bhatt