Updated - 17 Dec 2018, 08:32 PM
India added Hardik Pandya and Mayank Agarwal for a final couple of Test matches in Australia. Mayank Agarwal will be replacing injured-Prithvi Shaw while Hardik Pandya has been added as an extra player. The All-Indian Senior Selection Committee announced the news via their official Twitter Panel.
In September, Hardik Pandya suffered a back injury during the Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates and had to be stretchered off the field. He underwent rehabilitation and was not available for the first two Tests in Australia. Now, he recovered successfully and roaring with his performances in domestic circuit as well.
Well, it would be a great boost for Indian National Cricket Team, who are figuring out for the Team balance ever since the exclusion of Hardik Pandya from the team. He finally recovered well and immediately, showed his charisma in the Ranji game for Baroda.
”Opening batsman Prithvi Shaw, who had suffered a left ankle injury while attempting a catch in the practice game against CA XI has been ruled out of the ongoing Test series against Australia. The All-India Senior Selection Committee has named Mayank Agarwal as his replacement,” BCCI stated.
”The selectors have also added all-rounder Hardik Pandya to India’s squad. He will be available for the third and fourth Test to be played in Melbourne and Sydney respectively,” the release further read.
The inclusion of Hardik Pandya would certainly give a lot of chances for Indian team management to work out. His all-around ability will help Virat Kohli-led side to go with an extra-batsman or a spinner, as per the conditions of the game.
On the other hand, Mayank Agarwal’s inclusion will also help India to sort out the opening conundrum. Most probably, Mayank Agarwal would be drafted straight in the playing XI with KL Rahul and Vijay displaying poor cricket.
Virat Kohli (captain), M Vijay, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane (vice-captain), Hanuma Vihari. Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Parthiv Patel (wicket-keeper), R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja. Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Hardik Pandya, Mayank Agarwal
