The BCCI has announced the Test squad for the upcoming series against West Indies, raising eyebrows with some surprising selections and notable omissions. The 16-man squad features debut call-ups for Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad, while Navdeep Saini makes a comeback. However, the exclusion of Cheteshwar Pujara, Umesh Yadav, and Mohammed Shami has garnered significant attention.
All three players were part of the playing XI in the recent WTC Final against Australia, where India suffered a defeat by 209 runs. ESPN Cricinfo reports that Pujara and Umesh have been dropped, while Shami has been rested, although official confirmation from the board is yet to be provided.
ALSO READ: Ishan Kishan Teases KL Rahul As Injury Recovery Continues
Following the Test series, India will also play three ODIs against West Indies, with a 17-member squad led by Rohit Sharma. Ruturaj and Mukesh have been included in the ODI squad, and Sanju Samson joins as the second wicketkeeper-batter option. The squad for the five T20Is will be announced later.
The Test series will commence at Windsor Park in Dominica from July 12-16, followed by the second Test at Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad from July 20-24. The second Test will mark the 100th Test match between India and West Indies.
ALSO READ: India Announces Test Squad For West Indies Tour, Excludes Cheteshwar Pujara
The first two ODIs will take place at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on July 27 and 29, while the third ODI is scheduled for August 1 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad, which will host a West Indies men’s ODI for the first time.
The omission of Cheteshwar Pujara from the West Indies Tests has sparked mixed reactions among netizens. Some questioned the absence of the seasoned Indian batter, while others interpreted it as a sign of the end of his Test career. Social media platforms have been buzzing with diverse opinions on the matter.
Had to take some brave steps after wtc final loss. The big moves: drop pujara and Umesh yadav 👏👏
— Avneet Anand (@AvneetAnand9) June 23, 2023
A little bit sad for Pujara’s exclusion from West Indies Tests. He has a good record for no.3. He gives ultimate strength to the team. #CheteshwarPujara #WIvsIND #BCCI
— Pranav Mahajan (@_cricketpranav) June 23, 2023
Dropped from test squad vs WI. Could be the curtains! Farewell my hero! Last of his kind #TeamIndia could never see again. India’s dominance over Aus in tests over the last decade cannot be attributed to anyone else more than to #Pujara.
— Harikishan (@itzzmeHK) June 23, 2023
Pujara dropped ✍️
Rahane Vice Capt.
Call up for Jaiswal and Ruturaj https://t.co/1bEqxXAjiy— Gully Cricketer (@KricketerGully) June 23, 2023
Finally pujara out 🥳🥳🥳 https://t.co/VJPi6q19zy
— Himanshu Jain (@jain_himanshu__) June 23, 2023
Bye bye Pujara…
You had a great career for some time..Again proved it’s hard to replace the players Sachin, Dravid, Lakshman in test matches 😭 https://t.co/g58gLvLqeV
— Naaku Teliyadhu Ra (@naakuteliyadhu) June 23, 2023
