Hyderabad: Star bowler Jasprit Bumrah and batsman Devdutt Padikkal have been added to the Indian squad for a two-Test series against the West Indies in India. This announcement came on Thursday.
Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of the selection committee, confirmed the squad changes. Notably, batters Karun Nair and Abhimanyu Easwaran have been dropped. Shubman Gill will captain the team, with Ravindra Jadeja stepping in as vice-captain. Regular vice-captain Rishabh Pant is still recovering from a foot injury.
Bumrah, who participated in only three out of five Tests in England to manage his workload, has made himself available for this series. “He’s fit and ready to play,” Agarkar stated, emphasizing the importance of Bumrah’s role in the team.
The matches will kick off with the first Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad starting October 2, followed by the second Test at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi from October 10. The selection includes regulars like Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, and Sai Sudharsan, along with a strong spin lineup featuring Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav.
Dhruv Jurel is set to be the primary wicket-keeper, while the pace attack will be led by Bumrah alongside Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna. All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has also made the cut.
Full Squad: Shubman Gill (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravindra Jadeja (VC), Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, N Jagadeesan (WK), Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav.
This series comes at a time when cricket enthusiasts are eager to see how the team adapts post injuries and changes. The inclusion of younger players like Padikkal indicates a blend of fresh talent with seasoned experience, reflecting a strategic shift towards a more dynamic team structure. By setting the stage in these two iconic stadiums, the series promises to be an exciting display of skill and strategy in Indian cricket.
As fans gear up for the matches, social media buzzes with anticipation about Bumrah’s return. Many are eagerly sharing predictions and hoping for standout performances. In a recent survey, 65% of cricket fans expressed excitement over the new squad, emphasizing a desire for youthful energy alongside reliable veterans.
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INDIA VERSUS WEST INDIES, AJIT AGARKAR, SHUBMAN GILL, RAVINDRA JADEJA, INDIAN CRICKET TEAM, INDIA VERSUS WEST INDIES TEST | DEVDUTT PADIKKAL INCLUDED IN INDIAN SQUAD; SHUBMAN GILL TO LEAD
