India have announced their squad for the last three Tests against England, with Virat Kohli remaining unavailable for selection due to personal reasons.
Ravindra Jadeja, who had suffered a hamstring injury in the first Test in Hyderabad, makes a return to the squad. KL Rahul, who was recovering from a quadriceps injury and also missed the second Test, has also been named. Their participation, however, is subject to the BCCI medical team, a statement from the board said.
IND vs ENG: What are the changes?
Shreyas Iyer has not been named in the squad: his absence was earlier attributed to back stiffness and groin pain by multiple reports, but there has been no statement on his injury by the BCCI, indicating that he might have been dropped.
Mohammed Siraj, who was rested after the first Test, returns. Avesh Khan, who was part of the squad for the first Test, hasn’t been named. Saurabh Kumar, who was the replacement for the injured Jadeja, has also been excluded.
Rajat Patidar, who came in for Kohli, keeps his place, while Sarfaraz Khan, who replaced the injured KL Rahul, keeps his spot.
Akash Deep, the uncapped Bihar-born bowling all-rounder, has made it to the squad.
Bengal speedster Akash Deep has received his maiden call-up to the Indian Test team for the last three matches against England. #INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/2LVi5Osjsr
— Wisden India (@WisdenIndia) February 10, 2024
IND vs ENG: Virat Kohli remains unavailable
Kohli was initially not named in the squad for the first two Tests and will miss the remainder of the series as well due to personal reasons.
A statement from the BCCI read: “Virat Kohli will remain unavailable for selection for the remainder of the series due to personal reasons. The Board fully respects and supports Mr. Kohli’s decision.”
The third Test will be played in Rajkot, while the fourth and fifth matches will be in Ranchi and Dharamsala respectively.
AB de Villers admits ‘terrible mistake’ after spreading misinformation about Kohli’s absence
READ ⬇️https://t.co/MpCe7gEWKp
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) February 9, 2024
Jasprit Bumrah not to be rested
Contrary to reports, Bumrah will not be rested for the last three Tests and will continue his vice-captaincy duties alongside Rohit Sharma.
IND vs ENG: India squad for the last three England Tests
Batters
Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul*, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan
Wicketkeepers
Dhruv Jurel, KS Bharat
All-rounders
R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja*, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar
Bowlers
Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep
*The participation of Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul is subject to fitness clearance from the BCCI medical team.
