India's BGT 2024 squad announced - Gaikwad-Shami misses as BCCI backs young talent for high-stakes Test series

The BCCI has announced India’s squad for the much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) against Australia on Friday, October 25, 2024. The 18-member squad, led by skipper Rohit Sharma with Jasprit Bumrah as vice-captain, features some fresh faces while notable veterans miss out due to injuries and strategic choices.

The BGT series, commencing on November 22 in Perth, holds a special significance as India aims to retain the trophy on Australian soil as well as to keep their WTC hopes alive. Known for fierce competition, the 2024-25 series is a five-match Test showdown, including high-stakes games in iconic venues like the Adelaide Oval and Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), where the second Test will also be a day-night match.

India’s squad highlights for the upcoming BGT 2024-25:

Among the squad highlights, Abhimanyu Easwaran’s inclusion as a backup opener stands out as his domestic heroics finally paid off. Meanwhile, promising young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy also earns a spot in the BGT squad. Additionally, Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana, who impressed with their consistency in the domestic circuits, have been picked.

Shami-Kuldeep misses out on Australia tour!

However, some big names are conspicuously missing. The veteran pacer Mohammed Shami and spinner Kuldeep Yadav have been ruled out due to injury. The BCCI has directed Kuldeep to the Centre of Excellence for a long-term resolution, impacting the spin combination as India banks on experienced Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.

Meanwhile, All-rounders Axar Patel and Shardul Thakur have also been omitted, while Washington Sundar remains a solid spin-bowling option. On the other hand, Rishabh Pant returns as the primary wicketkeeper, supported by Dhruv Jurel, who joins as an additional wicketkeeping option. 

India’s Squad for 5-Match Test Series against Australia:

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

Schedule for India’s tour of Australia: