BCCI shortlists 35 member Squad for England Test Series; 3 Star Players likely to make a comeback in the squad

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has finalized a pool of 35 players for the upcoming Test tour of England. According to a report by the Times of India, the selectors will divide this pool into two groups — Team India and India A — for a parallel red-ball assignment in England. The board aims to announce the squads by the second week of May.

Rohit Sharma, India’s current Test captain, will most likely retain his leadership role. Despite his average performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the board values his experience and believes he is the best person to lead in challenging overseas conditions.

A senior BCCI official commented, “We need a strong and calm leader in England, and Rohit fits that role well.”

Uncertainty Around Shreyas Iyer; Nair, Patidar in Contention

The selectors remain unsure about Shreyas Iyer’s spot in the squad. His recent red-ball form has not impressed the team management. Although Iyer has shown promise in white-ball cricket, his inconsistency in Tests could cost him a place on the plane to England.

In contrast, the selectors have shown interest in recalling Karun Nair and Rajat Patidar. Both have performed consistently in domestic red-ball cricket. The board could reward them with either a spot in the main squad or the India A team.

Promising left-hander Sai Sudharsan also enters the fray as a potential backup opener.

Kuldeep Yadav Likely to Replace Ashwin as Lead Spinner

With Ravichandran Ashwin retiring from Test cricket, the selectors are looking at Kuldeep Yadav as the primary spin option. Axar Patel might miss out as the team plans to bolster its pace department.

Due to concerns over Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami’s fitness, the board plans to take multiple reserve fast bowlers to ensure depth in the pace attack.

The five-Test series in England, starting in late June, will test India’s squad depth and adaptability. The BCCI wants to finalize a balanced squad capable of handling both the Dukes ball and English conditions.

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