Jasprit Bumrah Named Vice-Captain As BCCI Announces India Squad for New Zealand Test Series

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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has revealed a 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match Test series against New Zealand, set to begin on October 17 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. 

Jasprit Bumrah Earns Vice-Captain Role

One of the most important developments in this squad announcement is the appointment of star pacer Jasprit Bumrah as the vice-captain of the Test team.

Bumrah, who recently reclaimed his top spot in the ICC Test bowling rankings, has been in sensational form since his return to international cricket after recovering from a back surgery. 

In the Bangladesh series, Bumrah claimed 11 wickets in two matches at a stunning average of 12.81. His overall Test record now stands at 170 wickets from 38 matches, with an impressive average of 20.18 and ten five-wicket hauls. 

Having already captained India once during the 2022 Test against England in Edgbaston, Bumrah is expected to play an even more prominent role in shaping the team’s on-field strategies.

Same Squad, Shami Still Recovering

India’s selectors have decided to stick with the same squad that secured the series victory over Bangladesh. Mohammed Shami, India’s experienced fast bowler, remains sidelined as he continues to recover from an ankle injury. He is expected to return to match fitness through Ranji Trophy appearances before making a potential comeback.

The team also includes several promising players who did not feature in the Bangladesh series but might get opportunities against New Zealand. Players like Dhruv Jurel, Sarfaraz Khan, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav could be given valuable game time as India prepares for the upcoming Australian tour.

India’s Squad for New Zealand Test Series:

• Rohit Sharma (C)
• Jasprit Bumrah (VC)
• Yashasvi Jaiswal
• Shubman Gill
• Virat Kohli
• KL Rahul
• Sarfaraz Khan
• Rishabh Pant (WK)
• Dhruv Jurel (WK)
• Ravichandran Ashwin
• Ravindra Jadeja
• Axar Patel
• Kuldeep Yadav
• Mohammad Siraj
• Akash Deep

Travelling Reserves: Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mayank Yadav, Prasidh Krishna

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