Jaffer’s Elections for ENG Tests

Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer picked his 16-member India squad for the upcoming Test series against England ahead of the official announcement. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir all scheduled to address a press conference on May 24 to announce the squad and also unveil the new Test captain. The five-match Test series is scheduled to commence from June 20 onwards.

Jaffer leaves Sudharsan, Sarfaraz out

Taking to social media platform X, Jaffer named his squad which had some notable omissions. Sai Sudharsan, who is in the form of his life currently, found no place in the side. Instead, India A captain Abhimanyu Easwaran has been picked. Jaffer also left out all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy.

The most surprising part is that Jaffer has picked Bumrah as his captain above Gill, while naming the latter as deputy.

Going by Jaffer’s squad, he wants KL Rahul to take Rohit Sharma’s position and open the innings with Jaiswal. Shreyas Iyer and Karun Nair are his choice to replace Virat Kohli at number 4. Jurel has been picked as the back-up keeper while the trio of Arshdeep-Prasidh-Akash have been named as back-up pacers.

Likewise, Axar Patel has also been left out and instead, Washington Sundar has been named as the back-up all-rounder to Jadeja and Shardul Thakur.

While experts are divided on who should be India’s new Test captain, Shubman Gill gets the vote of confidence for his age and ability to lead. As Jasprit Bumrah led in Rohit’s absence in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, many believe he should be the new leader. However, his constant workload management and frequent long-term injuries could prevent him from stepping up the ladder.

India vs England Test schedule

• 1st Test: June 20 to June 24
• 2nd Test: July 2 to July 6
• 3rd Test: July 10 to July 14
• 4th Test: July 23 to July 27
• 5th Test: July 31 to August 4