BCCI announces India's squad for first 3 Tests against England
The Indian squad for the upcoming Test series against England was announced by the BCCI on Wednesday. The selectors met, in Leeds, to select the side for the first 3 Tests. Most of the regular names have been selected in team which would be led by Virat Kohli. India lost the ODI series against England and will hope to bounce back in Tests.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar excluded from the squad due to back condition
The complete Test squad for the first three matches
India's squad: Virat Kohli (Captain), Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Murali Vijay, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane (vice-captain), Karun Nair, Dinesh Karthik (wicket-keeper), Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Shardul Thakur.
Bhuvneshwar out, Bumrah to miss first Test
Bhuvneshwar Kumar was omitted from the Test squad due to his back injury which has impacted his form. Another blow would be the absence of Jasprit Bumrah in the first Test. Burmah is recovering from a broken thumb, which means Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav are likely to play the first Test. Kuldeep Yadav has been included as the third spinner.
Selectors go in with youngster Rishabh Pant
Rishabh Pant was a surprise inclusion in the squad and is likely to be a back-up for Dinesh Karthik. Pant was superb in the Indian Premier League 2018 and also played for India in the Nidahas Trophy. Perhaps, the BCCI wants to give him exposure since he is the rightful successor of Dhoni. Pacer Shardul Thakur was also included.
