The Indian selection committee on Tuesday named an unchanged squad for the first two matches of the home series against Australia. The same 16-member squad that registered a massive 208-run victory over Bangladesh on Monday will take on Australia in the series starting February 23.
Chief selector MSK Prasad and the panel had a straightforward job when they met in Mumbai, with India consistently cruising to victory in a number of Test matches played at home over the past few months.
While most of the squad that would take on Australia was more or less decided after the series win against England in November, questions remained about the availability of fast bowler Mohammed Shami and batsman Rohit Sharma, both of whom missed several home Tests because of injuries. Shami last played in the third Test against England, and Sharma has not played since the three-Test series against New Zealand in September-October.
The selection committee also decided to keep uncapped left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who replaced injured leg-spinner Amit Mishra against Bangladesh. Abhinav Mukund will also remain in the squad as a reserve opener.
The series opener will be played in Pune, which will make its debut as a Test venue. The subsequent matches will be held in Bengaluru on March 4, Ranchi on March 16 and Dharamsala on March 25.
India squad for first two Tests: Virat Kohli (captain), Murali Vijay, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Wriddhiman Saha (wicketkeeper), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Ishant Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umesh Yadav, Karun Nair, Jayant Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav, Abhinav Mukund, Hardik Pandya.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!