BCCI announce squad for first 2 tests vs Australia: Bumrah ruled out, Jadeja and Rohit return, Bharat to replace Pant and more

The most awaited Border Gavaskar Trophy is almost upon us. And the BCCI has announced the Indian Squad for the first 2 tests of the series. So, hang tight as we present you with the Indian rooster for the upcoming series against Australia.

Border Gavaskar Trophy has taken a new meaning in recent years. Ever Since the famous victory by the Indian team in Australia in 2018. Followed by their heroics at GABA in 2021, the BGT is started getting rated among Ashes.

Hence, for such a Classico, when BCCI announced the squad for the first two tests, cricketing pundits couldn’t digest some of the inclusions and exclusions.

Jasprit Bumrah missing from action

First and foremost was the exclusion of premium pacer Jasprit Bumrah. The Gujarat Express picked up an injury in the bilateral series against Australia last year. Since then, he has been sidelined for major tournaments like Asia Cup 2022 and the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia as well.

Earlier this week, he was all set to make a return in the ODI series against Sri Lanka. But a last-minute assessment of his injury ruled him out of a possible comeback. Now it has been confirmed that Bumrah’s wait will only be prolonged as he is not a part of the BGT starting next month.

KS Bharat to replace Rishabh Pant; Ishan Kishan named backup

Another major blow to the Indian team was the unfortunate accident of Rishabh Pant. The left-handed Wicketkeeper Batter has been in phenomenal form in the longest format.

With his quirks behind the stump and bat in hand, he has become a major part of the Indian test setup. However, he had a very unfortunate accident last month, which caused him to be sidelined for a long time.

However, this opens the door for newcomers like KS Bharat and Ishan Kishan, who have been added to the Indian Squad. At least for the first two games of the series.

After the unruly dismissal of Wriddhiman Saha, who was India’s long-time backup keeper, KS Bharat might be seen making his debut for the Indian team. While Ishan Kishan, another debutant, will be part of the backup keeper.

Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja returns post injury

The Indian team will still have a solid foundation on the field, given the return of two very prolific players to the team.

First of them is Rohit Sharma, who was recently ruled out of Bangladesh Tests after picking up a hand injury in the limited over series. He will be looking forward to donning the whites after a long time.

Another member who will make his return is the star allrounder Ravindra Jadeja. He has been a key player, especially in Test Cricket recently. He was injured during a freak accident in UAE and was ruled out for a long time. Jadeja underwent knee surgery and is back in the squad for Border Gavaskar Trophy.

Suryakumar Yadav receives maiden call up

One of the most unprecedented moves by the BCCI selection Committee is the maiden call-up to Suryakumar Yadav of Mumbai. Suryakumar, or SKY as often referred to, is a prolific batter in limited-over cricket.

He has shown some great form in T20 Cricket in the past two years. Hence, it was exciting when his name popped up in the rooster. However, it will be delightful to see him in the whites as well.

Suryakumar is the kind of player who is not bound by the format of the game. Recently played a quick knock in the domestic tournament as well. And will be expected to continue the same performance in Test cricket.