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In a stunning turnaround ahead of India's five-Test series in England, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selectors are set to axe veteran pacer Mohammed Shami to give left-arm swing bowler Arshdeep Singh, a T20 World Cup champion but Test newcomer, his debut test.
The official team announcement will be made on May 24 during a press conference in Mumbai, where head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar will speak to the press. This signals the start of a new era for Indian Test cricket, after the recent retirements of greats Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from the game.
Major Changes in Pace Attack
While surprises were expected from the batting line-up, the selectors have chosen bold alterations in the pace department instead. Mohammed Shami, one of India's core red-ball pacers with 229 wickets in 64 Tests, is expected to be left out on fitness and current form doubts. Sources within the BCCI cited doubts about Shami’s ability to bowl long spells, a necessity in English conditions, especially after his Achilles tendon injury and underwhelming IPL 2025 performance.
Jasprit Bumrah, India’s premier fast bowler, is also expected to have his workload carefully managed and may not feature in all five Tests, further necessitating fresh faces in the pace battery.
Arshdeep Singh and New Faces
Arshdeep Singh, the star of India's T20 World Cup victory, is going to be handed his first Test summons. His left-arm swing and recent white-ball form have struck a chord with selectors, who consider him well-placed to perform in English conditions. Gujarat Titans' B Sai Sudharsan too is expected to make the cut after a solid IPL campaign and impressive domestic performances.
New Captaincy Era
With the departure of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from Test cricket, Shubman Gill is the favorite to be India's next Test captain. Gill's captaincy for Gujarat Titans during the IPL has received acclaim, and his selection would mark a changing of the guard for the team.
What's Next
The England series, from June 20, will be India's inaugural red-ball duty of the new World Test Championship cycle and the team's first since taking on new leadership. An intra-squad match between India A, held from June 13 to 16 in Beckenham, is planned before the series, offering a last tryout for team members.
Sources: Firstpost, TheSportsTak, NDTV Sports, CricXtasy
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