The anticipation surrounding the India squad that should travel to Down Under for the marquee series has been increasing as the series draws closer.
The Indian team will face their biggest challenge of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle when they lock horns with Australia for a five-match Test series in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
The anticipation surrounding the India squad that should travel to Down Under for the marquee series has been increasing as the series draws closer.
Echoing on the same lines, former India cricketer and national selector Jatin Paranjape has preferred a rising fast-bowler ahead of Mohammed Siraj.
Paranjape said in an interview with TOI “Essentially, they will have a squad of 16, plus a backup squad of six or seven players who will travel with the team in case of injuries. If Shami is fit—and I think he will be—I’d be tempted to play Akash Deep ahead of Mohammed Siraj, purely based on current form”.
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The pace attack comprising Shami, Siraj, and Jasprit Bumrah is expected to be a mainstay in India’s overseas Test matches, provided they are fully fit. Their combined presence is crucial for India’s hopes of securing a third consecutive series win against Australia on foreign soil.
However, concerns arise about their continued partnership, particularly due to Shami’s challenging recovery from ankle surgery. Additionally, the emergence of newcomer Akash Deep, with his impressive performances, has added a layer of competition to the team selection.
Shami hasn’t featured in the current WTC cycle, while Mukesh Kumar and Prasidh Krishna have delivered inconsistent performances, paving the way for Akash Deep’s entry into the squad. Akash Deep seized the opportunity, delivering strong performances in all three of his appearances so far.
He made a significant impact during the fourth Test in Ranchi earlier this year with a remarkable spell against England’s top order. His inclusion in the Test series against Bangladesh, ahead of players like Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel, was another surprise move that paid off.
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