NEW DELHI: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to announce the Indian Test squad for the much-anticipated tour of Australia sooner rather than later.
According to a report from Cricbuzz, the selection committee will meet after the end of the second Test against New Zealand in Pune to finalize the squad for the prestigious Border–Gavaskar Trophy.
This squad announcement, understood to take place on October 28, carries significant importance, with selectors set to address key questions regarding player form, fitness, and team composition.
Cheteshwar Pujara Under Spotlight
A major talking point is the potential recall of veteran batsman Cheteshwar Pujara, who has not featured in India’s Test side since the World Test Championship (WTC) final in 2023.
Pujara's strong track record in Australia, including 521 runs during the 2018-19 series and 271 runs on the 2020-21 tour, has sparked speculation about his return.
His recent double century in the Ranji Trophy adds weight to the argument for his inclusion. However, the selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, must balance Pujara’s experience with the team’s long-term objectives.
Pace Attack and Fitness Updates
Another critical area of focus will be the fast-bowling department. Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep are likely to lead the pace unit, but concerns linger over Mohammed Shami’s fitness.
Captain Rohit Sharma has previously emphasized the need for fully fit players, cautioning against taking an "undercooked" Shami on such a demanding tour.
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The selectors are expected to provide clarity on his recovery and availability. Meanwhile, the competition for backup pacer slots remains fierce, with Avesh Khan and Yash Dayal in contention.
Nitish Reddy’s Development Path
In a related move, Nitish Reddy has been left out of the T20I series against South Africa.
Instead, he will join India A for their Australia tour, participating in an intra-squad match against the Test team—a clear indication of the BCCI’s focus on grooming him as a seam-bowling all-rounder.
With critical decisions on veteran players and emerging talents, the October 28 squad announcement will shape India’s strategy for one of cricket’s most challenging tours.
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