IND vs ENG: India announces squad for two Tests vs ENG; Young Wicket-keeper replaces Ishan Kishan

IND vs ENG: Team India are currently playing a three-match T20I series against Afghanistan at home. After this, they will host England for a five-match test series. That series is part of the ongoing World Test Championship. And it will not be a wrong statement to say that that series will also decide the faith of teams in this WTC cycle. Hence, it will be an important series for both teams.

The first game will be played in Hyderabad and will start on January 25. England have already announced their squad, which will reach India on January 21. On the other hand, the Indian selection committee has announced the Indian squad for the first two tests. The announced squad had a few interesting names. However, India has announced four spinners in the squad.

IND vs ENG: No place for Ishan Kishan, as India announced squad for first two tests

On Friday, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee announced the squad for the first two tests. Mohammed Shami is not part of the team as he is recovering from the injury. But the batting order is pretty similar to that played against South Africa. There is still no place for Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane. India has stuck to Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal.

KL Rahul is the first-choice keeper in the team, while KS Bharat has also got a place. On the other hand, Dhurv Jurel also made his maiden call for the test team. India has dropped Ishan Kishan, who has asked for a break, citing mental fatigue. Vice-Captain Jasprit Bumrah will be leading the pace attack, which will have Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, and Avesh Khan.

The pitches in India are expected to be spinning. Hence, the hosts have picked up four spinners. Ravi Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav are part of the squad. That indicates the pitches which will be used for the test series. The second test will start on February 2 in Vishakhapatnam.

India’s squad for first 2 Tests: Rohit Sharma (C ), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), KS Bharat (wk), Dhurv Jurel (wk), Ravi Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Parel, Kuldeep Yadav, Md. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Avesh Khan.