India will be touring Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The Men in Blue is currently hosting New Zealand at home and has been on the verge of losing the series since 2012. Rohit Sharma’s side was outperformed in the first test by the black caps. In the second test, they are to chase a mammoth total of 359. Amidst all these, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the squad for the Aussie tour.
India has not lost a series in Australia since the 2018–19 season. They completed a sensational comeback in the 2020/21 series after losing the first test at Adelaide. Without the main cricketers there in the series, Ajinkya Rahane with young Indian players made history for the side, beating them at their fortress Brisbane Gabba. It was also the first time in 32 years that a team other than Australia won a Test at the Gabba.
Some surprise picks in the squad have been announced for the Australian series. Rohit Sharma will be leading the side once again and with Jasprit Bumrah named as the vice-captain for the side. However, some names missed out on the squad and there are some surprise picks as well. We take a look at some cricketers who missed out on the squad.
Here are the 3 players who missed out on the squad
3. Cheteshwar Pujara
Cheteshwar Pujara was the vital man for India in the previous BGT series in Australia. His recent double-century in the Ranji Trophy has rekindled debate regarding his potential selection for India’s squad in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Pujara’s Test record against Australia demonstrates his tenacity and in a series as competitive as the BGT, a batter with his temperament could have been critical to India’s win in Australian pitches.
2. Axar Patel
Axar Patel has been left out, of the tour. With Washington Sundar picking up 10 wickets in the second test against the Kiwis cemented his place in the side. However, with Axar’s batting having improved in recent years he should have been picked ahead of Nitish Reddy who anyways will not be featuring, and having a left-hander is always preferable.
1. Ruturaj Gaikwad
Ruturaj Gaikwad has been picked as the India A captain for the upcoming tour of Australia. He was earlier this month reported to be picked as the backup opener for the Border-Gavaskar series. Despite scoring consistently in the Duleep, Irani, and Ranji Trophy matches in the last two months, he was left out with selectors preferring in-form Bengal man Abhimanyu Easwaran.
