In a highly anticipated clash, the Bharat-England Test series is all set to kick off in Hyderabad on Thursday, January 25. Both teams are grappling with their own set of challenges, ranging from team balance issues to a lack of confidence. Notably, England will be playing in Bharat for the first time since the introduction of the Bazball approach in Test cricket.
One significant development for the Bharat team is the absence of the formidable trio of Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, and Cheteshwar Pujara. This marks the first time in 12 years that the Bharat team will take the field without these stalwarts, posing a test for the slightly inexperienced middle-order.
Virat Kohli has opted out of the first two Tests citing personal reasons, leaving a void that the selectors have not filled with a replacement for the former Bharat captain. This absence adds pressure on the team, especially in the absence of other key players like Rahane and Pujara.
The squad for the series sees several changes from the last Test series against South Africa. Left-arm spinner Axar Patel, who troubled the English team three years ago, makes a comeback after missing the South Africa tour. Similarly, Kuldeep Yadav is included, considering the playing conditions in India. Dhruv Jurel, the promising wicketkeeper, receives his maiden Test call-up, providing an additional option alongside KS Bharat. Rajat Patidar, in sensational form in India A matches, has earned a call-up, filling the gap left by Kohli.
However, there are notable exclusions from the squad as well. Abhimanyu Easwaran, despite consistently scoring runs in first-class cricket, has been left out. Shardul Thakur, the pace-bowling all-rounder, also finds himself omitted, along with pacer Prasidh Krishna, who made his debut in the South Africa series but failed to make a significant impact. Avesh Khan retains his spot as the fourth pacer, with Mohammed Shami still recovering from injury.
The revamped Bharat Test squad for the first two matches against England includes Rohit Sharma as captain, leading a team that blends experience with emerging talent. The batting lineup features the likes of Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul as the specialist batter. The bowling department boasts the formidable trio of Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah, supported by the returning Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav.
As the series unfolds, cricket enthusiasts eagerly await to see how the new-look Bharat team fares against a resilient England side, setting the stage for exciting and unpredictable encounters in the world of Test cricket.
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