NEW DELHI: The Indian selectors have announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match Test series against New Zealand, with some notable changes. Experienced pacer Mohammed Shami has been omitted from the team, while Jasprit Bumrah has been appointed as the vice-captain.
The selectors have decided to drop left-arm pacer Yash Dayal, who was part of the squad for the Bangladesh series.
The three Tests will be played in Bengaluru (Oct 16-20), Pune (Oct 24-28), and Mumbai (Nov 1-5).”The Men’s Selection Committee has picked India’s 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match IDFC FIRST Bank Test series against New Zealand,” BCCI secretary Jay Shah informed in a release on Friday.
Bumrah, who captained India in the Birmingham Test against England in 2022, has been elevated to the role of vice-captain.
This move suggests that the selectors are grooming him to be the stand-in skipper when regular captain Rohit Sharma is unavailable. Bumrah’s promotion is likely part of the team’s plans for the upcoming five-match series against Australia.
In the pace department, Bumrah will be supported by Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep if the team management opts for a three-pronged pace attack. The travelling reserves include young pacer Mayank Yadav, who impressed on his debut against Bangladesh, and Prasidh Krishna, providing additional cover if needed.
WHY SHAMI MISSES OUT?
Shami, who has been out of action since the Men’s World Cup final against Australia in November last year, remains unavailable for selection.
He underwent surgery after sustaining an injury during the World Cup and is targeting a return for the Australia series.
The spin-friendly wickets in India have allowed Shami more time to recover and prepare for the crucial series against Australia.
The squad remains heavily reliant on spin, with Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav vying for spots in the playing XI.
The selectors have not picked a backup opener, with Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal expected to take on the responsibility, as they did against Bangladesh.
Shubman Gill is likely to continue batting at No.3, while Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel are the wicketkeeping options.
INDIA ON TOP
India currently lead the World Test Championships (WTC) standings, while New Zealand, the 2021 title-winners, sits in sixth place.
The series against New Zealand is crucial for India to consolidate their position in the WTC standings ahead of the important tour of Australia later this year.
India aim to reach the WTC final for the third time, having lost to New Zealand and Australia in the previous two editions.
New Zealand last visited India in 2021-22 for a two-match series, which the hosts won 1-0.