As India brace for a high stakes five-Test series against England this summer, a deeper look into the newly announced squad reveals an interesting IPL subplot, Gujarat Titans (GT) are the most represented franchise in the team, with five players named in the 18-member squad. GT captain Shubman Gill will now also lead the Indian Test side for the first time in the absence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. He’s joined by franchise mates Sai Sudharsan, Mohammed Siraj, Washington Sundar, and Prasidh Krishna. Delhi Capitals (DC) follow with three players: KL Rahul, Karun Nair, and Kuldeep Yadav. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) also boast three representatives: Rishabh Pant (vice-captain and wicketkeeper), Shardul Thakur, and Akash Deep.
Rajasthan Royals (RR) have two players in Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel, while Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) feature one each in Ravindra Jadeja and Nitish Kumar Reddy respectively. Mumbai Indians (MI) are represented solely by pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, and Punjab Kings (PBKS) by left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh, who has earned a maiden Test call-up. Notably, Abhimanyu Easwaran is the only player without an IPL affiliation. This breakdown underlines a shift in the team building mindset post the retirements of stalwarts. With Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ashwin gone, selectors have leaned into domestic and IPL bred talent, many of whom have little long-format international experience but have showcased their skills in white-ball formats.
India’s full squad: Shubman Gill (Captain, GT), Rishabh Pant (Vice-Captain & Wicketkeeper, LSG), Yashasvi Jaiswal (RR), KL Rahul (DC), Sai Sudharsan (GT), Abhimanyu Easwaran (No IPL), Karun Nair (DC), Nitish Kumar Reddy (SRH), Dhruv Jurel (RR), Ravindra Jadeja (CSK), Washington Sundar (GT), Kuldeep Yadav (DC), Shardul Thakur (LSG), Jasprit Bumrah (MI), Mohammed Siraj (GT), Prasidh Krishna (GT), Akash Deep (LSG), Arshdeep Singh (PBKS). The five-match series begins on June 20 and will be played at Headingley, Edgbaston, Lord’s, Old Trafford and The Oval.
