Mohammed Shami, who is currently on the road to recovery from an injury, has been excluded from the squad for the upcoming Test series against Australia. His absence leaves a significant gap in the bowling attack, as the experienced pacer has been a key player for India.
Additionally, Kuldeep Yadav has been ruled out of selection due to a chronic groin issue that has plagued him for some time now. This ongoing health concern has prevented him from contributing to the team and showcases the challenges faced by players dealing with fitness setbacks.
Axar Patel could not find a place in the squad, highlighting the intense competition among players. However, all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has made the cut to bolster the team’s depth in both batting and bowling. He joins Abhimanyu Easwaran, who is anticipated to serve as the team’s back-up opener, ensuring that India has adequate resources in case of any unforeseen circumstances.
Washington Sundar, who recently scored an impressive century for Tamil Nadu in its Ranji Trophy match against Delhi, has been added to India’s squad for the second and third Tests against New Zealand at home. Following his remarkable career-best figures of 7 for 59 in the ongoing second Test in Pune, Sundar has not only solidified his position in the Test squad but has also earned a spot in the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy lineup.
Prior to the New Zealand series, Sundar last played a Test match in March 2021, marking this selection as a significant return to the longest format after an extensive hiatus. His return is eagerly anticipated by fans and selectors alike, as he brings a valuable all-rounder skill set to the team.
Full 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), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar.
Travelling reserves: Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini, Khaleel Ahmed.
AUS vs IND Test series schedule
1. First Test: November 22-26: Perth Stadium
– 7:50 am IST
2. Second Test: December 6-10: Adelaide Oval (D/N)
– 9:30 am IST
3. Third Test: December 14-18: The Gabba, Brisbane
– 5:50 am IST
4. Fourth Test: December 26-30: MCG, Melbourne
– 5:00 am IST
5. Fifth Test: January 3-7: SCG, Sydney
– 5:00 am IST
Interview with Cricket Analyst Sarah Mehta on India’s Test Squad Challenges Ahead of the Series Against Australia
Editor: Welcome, Sarah! With the recent squad announcement for the upcoming Test series against Australia, there have been some significant omissions. Let’s start with Mohammed Shami. What impact do you think his absence will have on the team’s bowling attack?
Sarah Mehta: Thanks for having me! Shami’s exclusion is undoubtedly a major blow for the Indian team. He brings a wealth of experience and skill to the bowling lineup, particularly in high-pressure situations like a series against Australia. His ability to swing the ball and maintain pace makes him a crucial player, and without him, India has to rely on younger bowlers who may not have the same level of experience in such crucial matches.
Editor: Right, and we can’t overlook Kuldeep Yadav’s ongoing struggle with his groin issue. How do you see this affecting the spin department?
Sarah Mehta: Kuldeep’s chronic groin issue is unfortunate, as he has been a vital asset when it comes to spin bowling. His absence means India may have to lean more heavily on other spinners, which might disrupt their game plans. It also emphasizes a larger issue in cricket, where injuries can derail players’ careers and impact team strategies. The spin attack could lose its edge without his unique variations.
Editor: Speaking of competition, Axar Patel’s exclusion indicates a crowded field of players trying to make the squad. What does this say about the current state of Indian cricket?
Sarah Mehta: It certainly highlights the depth of talent available in Indian cricket right now. Axar is a reliable all-rounder, so his absence is quite telling. The competition is fierce, and players are being pushed to perform at their best to secure their spots. This could be beneficial in the long run as it motivates players to elevate their game, but it also presents challenges for team selection, especially when injuries play such a crucial role.
Editor: But on a positive note, all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy’s inclusion is a fresh development. What do you expect from him in this series?
Sarah Mehta: Nitish Kumar Reddy is an exciting addition. He brings versatility with both bat and ball, which can be crucial in test matches. His ability to adapt to different conditions could really enhance the team’s performance, particularly in middle-order batting and providing balance to the bowling attack. It’ll be interesting to see how the selectors use him throughout the series.
Editor: Thank you, Sarah! Your insights on the current dynamics of the Indian cricket team are invaluable as they prepare for this challenging series against Australia.
Sarah Mehta: My pleasure! It’ll be a closely watched series, and I’m looking forward to seeing how things unfold.
Hout Kuldeep’s unpredictability and skill, especially on Australian pitches that can often demand a high level of tactical batting against spin.
Editor: Absolutely. And speaking of competition, Axar Patel not making the squad is quite surprising. What does this say about the current depth in India’s lineup?
Sarah Mehta: Axar’s exclusion underscores the intense competition within the Indian cricket setup at the moment. It shows that the selectors are looking for specific combinations and roles that best fit the team’s strategy against Australia. Including players like Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar suggests that they are prioritizing versatility — Reddy offers depth in both batting and bowling, while Sundar has recently shown remarkable form with his century and stellar bowling performances.
Editor: Speaking of Washington Sundar, his return to the Test squad is being eagerly anticipated, especially after such a long hiatus. How important is his all-rounder role for the team now?
Sarah Mehta: Sundar’s return is pivotal. He not only brings crucial batting depth but also adds significant value to the spin department. His ability to score runs in difficult situations and take wickets makes him a crucial asset in any match scenario. His performance in the domestic circuit has proven that he can handle pressure, and this experience will be essential for India, particularly in a challenging series like this.
Editor: There’s certainly a lot to keep an eye on with this squad heading into the series. What are your expectations for the team in these matches against Australia?
Sarah Mehta: I expect to see a tough contest. Australia is known for their fierce home advantage, but if India can find a rhythm with the new bowling lineup and utilize their batting depth effectively, they have a chance. The series will be an excellent test of character and adaptability for the Indian players, and I look forward to seeing how they manage these challenges.
Editor: Thank you, Sarah, for your insights on the Indian squad. It’s clear that this series will be both challenging and exciting for fans and players alike.
Sarah Mehta: Thank you for having me! I can’t wait to see what unfolds in the series!