India announces Test squad for the highly anticipated Australia tour

India has announced an 18-member squad for the much-anticipated Test series against Australia, set to begin in Perth on November 22, 2024. This five-match series will be critical for both teams in the ICC World Test Championship standings, with India currently occupying one of the top positions. Captain Rohit Sharma will lead the side, joined by seasoned players such as Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah, who will serve as vice-captain. The squad reflects a mix of experience and youth, with emerging talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill adding fresh vigor to India’s lineup​.

The selection of the squad underscores India’s focus on both proven players and promising newcomers. In the batting lineup, alongside mainstays like Kohli and Sharma, the inclusion of opener Abhimanyu Easwaran and versatile middle-order batter Sarfaraz Khan offers depth. Wicket-keeping responsibilities will be primarily handled by Rishabh Pant, who is set for a full return to form after his car accident recovery, while Dhruv Jurel is also in the mix as an alternate keeper. The spin department will rely on veterans Ashwin and Jadeja, alongside Washington Sundar, especially with Kuldeep Yadav sidelined due to a groin injury​.

For the pace attack, Bumrah leads a contingent that includes Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Akash Deep, bolstered by reserve options like Mukesh Kumar. The series, which runs through early 2025, will test India’s adaptability in challenging Australian conditions, aiming for a record third consecutive series win Down Under. This Border-Gavaskar series promises a riveting battle of skills and strategies, with high stakes for both teams’ championship ambitions.

India Squad: 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, Mohd. Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar.

Reserves: Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini, Khaleel Ahmed Kumar

Australia vs India Schedule: