India vs Windies: Amitabh Choudhary explains the exclusions from the Test squad

The Indian selectors named the Test squad for the two-match home series vs Windies. Among the major changes in Team India was the absence of Hardik Pandya, Ishant Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah. All the four have of late formed the pace bowling attack in Tests. They also handed Mohammed Siraj and Mayank Agarwal their maiden call-up for the series.

Virat Kohli after a bit of a break during the Asia Cup will return to lead the team and much like the bowling combination the opening slot is set to have a new look. The selectors continued to keep Murali Vijay out of the team while under fire Shikhar Dhawan has been axed as well. KL Rahul managed to retain his place and so has Prithvi Shaw who was flown to England for the last two Tests.

While Bhuvi and Bumrah have been rested considering their workload in the lead up to the series, Hardik and Ishant weren’t available for selection. The all-rounder had hurt his back during his first match of the Asia Cup against Pakistan. He had to be stretchered off mid-way through his fifth over and was subsequently ruled out of the tournament.

Ishant, on the other hand, felt discomfort during the fifth Test in England. He bowled just one over on the fourth morning and didn’t resume bowling in that innings. It was reported that he had some trouble with his ankle and he didn’t play as a precautionary measure. However, as per the board’s recent press release, he is still recovering from the injury and wasn’t available for selection.

“Taking stock of the recent workload, the selectors have decided to rest Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Both Ishant Sharma and Hardik Pandya were not considered for selection as they are yet to recover from their injuries,” Amitabh Choudhary, acting secretary of the BCCI said after naming the team.

India squad for the Windies Tests:

Virat Kohli (C), KL Rahul, Prithvi Shaw, Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane (v-c), Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur

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