Team India Test Squad for Afghanistan Series Announced, Rishabh Pant Removed As...

Team India's squad for the only Test match against Afghanistan has been announced. Shubman Gill will lead the side as expected, however, there was a major change in the team's vice-captaincy. Regular vice-captain Rishabh Pant has been removed from his role for this squad.

The selectors have decided to pick a full-strength Indian team apart from Jasprit Bumrah, who has been rested, for this match. The match will be played from June 6-10 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur.

Major Changes in Indian Test Team For Afghanistan Series

The removal of Rishabh Pant as the team's vice-captain came as a surprising move as he was in the team's leadership group ever since Gill was handed over the Test captaincy. Pant is also a big part of India's Test team not just as a wicketkeeper but also as a batter. In his place, KL Rahul is the team's new vice-captain now.

The Test squad for this match has some major changes with the all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja not featuring in it. Jadeja has been one of the best all-rounders in the world and his absence for this match was quite surprising.

It seems like the selectors have selected a team with an eye for the future. With no Jadeja and Bumrah, the onus will be on Mohammed Siraj and Kuldeep Yadav to lead the team's bowling attack.

The selectors have also rewarded players for doing well in domestic first-class cricket. The selection of Manav Suthar and Harsh Dubey, two of the best performers in Ranji Trophy, is a prime example of it.

One of the biggest inclusions in this squad was of Gurnoor Brar, the fast bowler from Punjab. Gurnoor has been one of the best bowlers in India and his pace has impressed his Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill. He has also been selected in the ODI squad.

India Pick Strong-Looking Batting Order

The batting line-up didn't see much changes with Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul likely to open. Gill will bat at No. 4 while the No. 3 spot still needs to be fixed and one of Padikkal or Sudharsan will take that place.

With no burden of vice-captaincy, Pant can play his aggressive game more freely now at No. 5. Nitish Kumar Reddy can fill in the all-rounder's spot in place of Ravindra Jadeja.

While the home team has been picked for the IND vs AFG Test squad, the visitors are yet to announce it. However, it is expected to be picked soon.

Team India Squad For Afghanistan Series

Shubman Gill (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul (VC), Sai Sudharsan, Rishabh Pant, Devdutt Padikkal, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey, Dhruv Jurel (WK)