Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25: BCCI Shakes Up India’s Squad with Two Newcomers

The BCCI announced India's squad for the Australia Test series on Friday, revealing significant changes to the lineup. Mohammed Shami has missed out due to incomplete recovery, while Kuldeep Yadav has been unexpectedly excluded from the 18-member squad.

Newcomers Nitish Reddy, Harshit Rana, and Abhimanyu Easwaran could make their Test debuts. KL Rahul retains his spot despite being dropped from the playing XI in the ongoing third Test against New Zealand in Pune.

Veteran Abhimanyu Easwaran, 29, has long been on the sidelines and may step in for captain Rohit Sharma, who is reportedly doubtful for the opening Test in Perth. The in-form Bengal opener could find his place in the starting lineup if Rohit remains unfit.

Other than Kuldeep and Shami, India's squad remains largely unchanged for the five-match series starting November 22. Kuldeep, dealing with a chronic left groin issue, will be treated at the newly established BCCI Centre of Excellence after the Pune Test. "Kuldeep Yadav was unavailable for selection for the tour of Australia as he has been referred to The BCCI Centre of Excellence for long-term care," the BCCI stated.

As expected, India has emphasized pace, selecting six fast bowlers. Jasprit Bumrah has been appointed vice-captain, and Prasidh Krishna returns after missing recent Test series against England, Bangladesh, and New Zealand. Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini, and Khaleel Ahmed have been added as reserve pace options.

India's squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy:

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.

Reserves: Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini, Khaleel Ahmed