India’s Squad For Australia Tour: Rohit Sharma Leads, Fresh Talent Nitish Reddy And Harshit Rana Join, But No Shami!

Rohit Sharma has been appointed captain for all five Tests as the BCCI senior selection committee unveiled India’s squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. Notably, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana received their first Test call-ups, while Abhimanyu Easwaran was selected as the third opener, surpassing Ruturaj Gaikwad based on his impressive run tally.

Easwaran secured his place in the squad after scoring four consecutive centuries in recent matches across the Duleep Trophy, Irani Cup, and Ranji Trophy. He will join the India A side for the tour leading up to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Despite previous reports, there was no official announcement regarding Rohit’s unavailability for the initial phase of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The BCCI confirmed him as captain for all five Tests in their release on Friday.

Jasprit Bumrah, who has been a standout bowler, continues as vice-captain in the 18-member squad.

“After the completion of the 3-match Test series against New Zealand, India are set to play a 5-match Test series in Australia, part of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy starting 22nd November in Perth,” stated the BCCI on Friday.

Absentees: Shami and Kuldeep Yadav

Notably missing from the squad were Mohammed Shami and Kuldeep Yadav. The BCCI did not provide details on Shami’s fitness status, while left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep was ruled out due to injury.

“Kuldeep Yadav was unavailable for selection for the tour of Australia since he has been referred to The BCCI Centre of Excellence after the end of the ongoing Test series against New Zealand for long-term resolution of his chronic left groin issue,” the BCCI announced.

Shami, who is expected to play for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy, could be added to the Indian squad if he demonstrates match fitness.

First-time call-ups for Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana

Andhra Pradesh all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who made his T20I debut against Bangladesh earlier this month, was selected as the sole seam-bowling all-rounder, replacing Shardul Thakur, who contributed significantly to India’s historic win at the Gabba three years ago.

In Shami’s absence, the pace attack will primarily rely on vice-captain Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, with Akash Deep likely filling the role of the third seamer, supported by Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana as backups. Harshit Rana’s remarkable performance in the Duleep Trophy earned him this opportunity.

Three fast bowlers—Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini, and Khaleel Ahmed—will serve as traveling reserves.

India’s squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy:

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, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar.

Reserves: Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini, Khaleel Ahmed

India vs Australia Border-Gavaskar Trophy Schedule:

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy will kick off with the first Test in Perth on November 22. The second Test will be a Day/Night match at Adelaide Oval starting on December 6, followed by the third Test in Brisbane on December 14. The Boxing Day Test in Melbourne and the New Year’s Test in Sydney will proceed as scheduled.