Jasprit Bumrah and Prithvi Shaw made their much-awaited returns into the Test squad as the national selection panel, led by MSK Prasad, announced the team for the two matches against New Zealand. As confirmed, Rohit Sharma has been ruled out of the remainder of fixtures due to a calf issue. He has been replaced by Mayank Agarwal for ODIs.
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Talking of the Test squad, Bumrah’s comeback bolsters the pace attack which also sees the comeback of Navdeep Saini. He (Bumrah) had to miss past five Test matches due to stress fracture in his back. He was replaced by Umesh Yadav, who did well in the home Test matches. He is also part of the Test squad, which includes all the regulars. Although Ishant Sharma isn’t confirmed to play as of now as he is recovering from an ankle issue.
India’s Test squad: Virat (Capt), Mayank, Prithvi Shaw, Shubman, Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane (vc), Hanuma Vihari, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Rishabh Pant (wk), R. Ashwin, R. Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav, Mohd. Shami, Navdeep Saini, Ishant Sharma (subject to fitness clearance).
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 4, 2020
Shaw, who hasn’t played a Test since 2018, made a comeback in place of an injured Rohit. He has done well since his comeback but since Shaw was named in the ODI squad, he missed the first-class fixture against New Zealand A which confirmed that he will not be part of the Test squad. But with Rohit ruled out, selectors called up the youngster.
Also Read: India vs New Zealand: Prithvi Shaw Confirmed To Make ODI Debut, KL Rahul To Bat In Middle-Order
Uncapped Shubman Gill was confirmed to keep his place and he might open the innings with Mayank ahead of Shaw. He was India’s reserve opener during the home season but didn’t make his debut.
Gill is ahead of Shaw in the pecking order and should make his debut. He scored a double-century in the first unofficial Test against New Zealand A last week.
There was no place for KL Rahul in the Test squad. The wicketkeeper-batsman was expected to make a Test comeback on the basis of his white-ball form but selectors have clearly hinted that Rahul will have to play Ranji Trophy to make a comeback. Kuldeep Yadav was dropped from the Test squad.
The two-match Test series kicks off with the first game to be played at Basin Reserve, Wellington from February 21. The next Test will be played at Hagley Oval, Christchurch from February 29.