New Delhi, October 23: The BCCI’s senior selection committee has announced India’s squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, with Rohit Sharma appointed captain for all five Tests. Youngsters Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana have been rewarded with their first Test call-ups, while Abhimanyu Easwaran secured a spot as the third opener, edging out Ruturaj Gaikwad based on recent performances.
Easwaran’s selection comes after an impressive run, having scored four consecutive centuries across the Duleep Trophy, Irani Cup, and Ranji Trophy. Before the series kicks off, Easwaran will tour with India A, continuing his momentum.
Contrary to rumors, there was no official confirmation regarding Rohit’s unavailability for any part of the series. The BCCI’s release on Friday confirmed his captaincy for all five matches. Following the three-Test series against New Zealand, India will face Australia in the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy, beginning on November 22 in Perth.
Vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah will spearhead India’s pace attack, though the squad notably excludes Mohammed Shami and Kuldeep Yadav. The BCCI did not specify details on Shami’s fitness status, but Kuldeep, who missed the ongoing second Test against New Zealand, is sidelined due to a chronic left groin issue. He has been referred to the BCCI Centre of Excellence for long-term treatment.
Shami, who will represent Bengal in the Ranji Trophy, may join the squad if he can demonstrate full match fitness. In his absence, the pace lineup will rely heavily on Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, with Akash Deep likely to take the third seamer spot. Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana, who impressed in the Duleep Trophy, are also included as backups.
Andhra Pradesh all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who recently debuted in T20I cricket against Bangladesh, is the squad’s sole seam-bowling all-rounder, chosen over Shardul Thakur. Delhi pacer Harshit Rana’s selection reflects his recent domestic success. Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini, and Khaleel Ahmed will travel as reserves.
India’s Squad for Border-Gavaskar Trophy:
Rohit Sharma (C), Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (WK), R Ashwin, R Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar.
Reserves: Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini, Khaleel Ahmed.