India’s Test Squad for West Indies Tour: Yashasvi Jaiswal Joins the Team, Cheteshwar Pujara Excluded, and Navdeep Saini Returns

In the aftermath of a disappointing defeat against Australia in the World Test Championship final, the Indian cricket team is eager to turn the page and shift their focus to the upcoming tour of the West Indies. The Caribbean tour, scheduled to commence on July 12 in Dominica, will kickstart India’s campaign in the third cycle of the World Test Championship. As the excitement builds up, cricket enthusiasts and fans eagerly await the announcement of the Indian Test squad for this crucial tour.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to unveil the squad for the two-match Test series against the West Indies very soon. According to various media reports, the selectors are likely to include talented young batsmen Ruturaj Gaikwad and Yashasvi Jaiswal in the squad. These promising youngsters have been making waves in domestic cricket and have caught the attention of the national selectors with their consistent performances.

Ruturaj Gaikwad, hailing from Maharashtra, has emerged as one of the most prolific batsmen in the domestic circuit. With 28 first-class matches under his belt, Gaikwad has scored an impressive 1941 runs, which includes six centuries and nine half-centuries. His solid technique and ability to score big runs have earned him a well-deserved spot in the Test squad.

NEWS – India’s squads for West Indies Tests and ODI series announced.

TEST Squad: Rohit Sharma (Capt), Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ajinkya Rahane (VC), KS Bharat (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), R Ashwin, R Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Axar Patel, Mohd.… pic.twitter.com/w6IzLEhy63

— BCCI (@BCCI) June 23, 2023

Yashasvi Jaiswal, on the other hand, has been in scintillating form lately. After displaying remarkable consistency in the Indian domestic circuit for several years, the young left-handed batsman had a sensational season with the Rajasthan Royals in the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. Jaiswal amassed a total of 625 runs at an impressive average of 32.56. In his IPL career spanning 37 matches, he has accumulated 1172 runs. Moreover, Jaiswal boasts an exceptional record in first-class cricket, where he averages a staggering 80.21 with 1845 runs in 15 matches. His remarkable performance and ability to perform under pressure have rightfully earned him a maiden call-up to the Indian Test squad.

Amidst the anticipation surrounding the squad announcement, some notable changes are expected to take place. Ajinkya Rahane, who had been sidelined in the previous Test series, is likely to make a comeback as the vice-captain of the team. Rahane’s experience, leadership qualities, and batting prowess make him a valuable asset to the squad. However, Cheteshwar Pujara’s presence in the team remains uncertain, as reports suggest that he might face the axe. The selectors will have to make a tough call regarding Pujara’s inclusion based on his recent performances.

In terms of the bowling department, Navdeep Saini is set to make a comeback to the Test squad. Saini’s ability to generate pace and his wicket-taking prowess make him a potent weapon for the Indian team. However, seasoned campaigners like Umesh Yadav and Mohammed Shami are expected to be rested for the West Indies tour to manage their workload effectively.

The anticipated Test squad for the West Indies tour is likely to feature Rohit Sharma as the captain. After the disappointment of the World Test Championship final loss, questions have been raised regarding Sharma’s captaincy. However, he will be given another opportunity to lead the team in the two Test matches against the West Indies. It is reported that Sharma will discuss his future in the longest format of the game with the selectors after the conclusion of the series. The upcoming tour will be crucial for Sharma, as he will aim to make a strong.