Shubman Gill will play for India and India A. Photo: BCCI
The Indian selection committee, headed by Ajit Agarkar, announced the Test squad for the England tour on Saturday (May 24). Shubman Gill, who was the frontrunner for the top job, was appointed the Test captain while Rishabh Pant was made his deputy. The selectors showed faith in many players who were part of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Arshdeep Singh and Sai Sudharsan are only two new faces in the Test format. Arshdeep's selection comes as a surprise as he wasn't named in the India A squad while Sudharsan seemed to be an automatic selection following Rohit Sharma's retirement.
The selectors have named as many as 9 players in Team India and India A squads for the England tour. Here's a look at them -
Shubman Gill: The India Test captain will join the India A team before the second unofficial Test match. He could take over the charge from Abhimanyu Easwaran for the second game.
Abhimanyu Easwaran: The opening batsman has been appointed the captain of the India A squad for the unofficial Test matches. Easwaran is uncapped in Test cricket.
Sai Sudharsan: Sudharsan will also join the India A team before the second game. The left-handed batsman could bat at number 3 or 4 in the Test series.
Yashasvi Jaiswal: The left-handed batsman will play for India A before the unofficial Test series. Yashasvi has never played Test cricket in England.
Karun Nair: Back in the Test squad after 7 years, Karun Nair will play for India A before the Test series. The right-handed batsman was dropped from the Test team after the 2018 England tour.
Dhruv Jurel: The wicketkeeper-batsman was appointed the vice-captain of the India A team for the unofficial Test series. He will likely stay on the bench in the Test series.
Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shardul Thakur: The two pace-bowling all-rounders will play for India A before the Test series. Given his bowling skills, Shardul could pip Nitish for a place in the playing XI in the Test series.
Akash Deep: Akash Deep retained his place in the Test team. He will also play for India A before his maiden England tour.
