ENG Vs IND, 2018: Twitter Reacts as India Announce Squad for First Three Tests

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), on Wednesday (July 18), announced the squad for the first three Tests against England. The MSK Prasad-led selection panel sprung quite a few surprises spearheaded by Rishabh Pant’s inclusion in the 18-man squad.

Pant has been included in the team in place of gloveman Wriddhiman Saha, who is still recovering from a thumb injury. Saha had hurt his left thumb while playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).

As a result, he had missed the majority of the second leg of the tournament including the grand finale against Chennai Super Kings (CSK). And as well as One-off Test against Afghanistan in June.

Southpaw Pant is currently in England with the India A team and has done decently with the bat.  He is likely to be a backup wicketkeeper with Dinesh Karthik, who is all set to don the gloves.

Rohit Sharma has paid the price for the horror show with his bat in South Africa earlier this year. The limited-overs format vice-captain, who was also dropped for the One-off Test against Afghanistan, once again failed to find a spot in the team despite scoring two centuries in the coloured clothing on the ongoing tour.

Karun Nair has retained his spot in the team. The right-handed batsman is currently leading India A in England and impressed with the bat.

In five innings so far 20, 93, 42, 55 and 4.  Mohammed Shami is also back in the squad after losing his spot in the squad for the Afghanistan Test. The Bengal star recently cleared the fitness test.

India squad for first three Tests against Joe Root-led England –

Virat Kohli (c); Shikhar Dhawan; KL Rahul; M Vijay; Cheteshwar Pujara; Ajinkya Rahane; Karun Nair; Dinesh Karthik (wk); Rishabh Pant; R Ashwin; Ravindra Jadeja; Kuldeep Yadav; Hardik Pandya; Ishant Sharma; Mohammed Shami; Umesh Yadav;  Jasprit Bumrah; Shardul Thakur.

Jasprit Bumrah is also named in the squad. The pacer is recovering from a broken thumb and will be available for selection only from the second Test (Lord’s) subjected to fitness.

On the other hand, a call on Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s inclusion in the Test squad will be taken after he is assessed by the BCCI’s medical team.  The right-arm pacer aggravated a back injury during the third ODI against England in Leeds.

Kuldeep Yadav’s impressive showing in the T20Is and ODIs has earned him a place in the Test team. He along with Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja would take care of the spin department.

Meanwhile, Twitter was quick to react to the news.

Also, here are some of the reactions following Test squad announcement of India:

The selectors have picked up a neat team.. Pant included, Rohit left out. Kuldeep & Pant shall soon be regulars in all formats. Mayank Agarwal could have been selected ahead of Karun Nair? #ENGvIND

— Navneet Mundhra (@navneet_mundhra) July 18, 2018

#Twitter welcomes Rishabh Pant to red-ball cricket:

He played match winning knock of 67 not out in the test against Windies A team and is currently playing well again against England A team. I think he is ready for the test matches! Well done sir @RaviShastriOfc and team management for selecting Rishabh Pant.??

— Shiv RKVian ?? (@itsShivam18) July 18, 2018

Big call-up for Rishabh Pant. Buzz around him.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) July 18, 2018

Kuldeep Yadav..
Shardul Thakur..
Rishabh Pant..

Big opportunity for young generation to play test in England and hopefully they will get a chance in the playing XI

— Broken Cricket (@BrokenCricket) July 18, 2018

Excellent decision to have Rishabh Pant as the second wicketkeeper on tour. Has been in England with India A, played games and has made vital contributions.

— Shashank Kishore (@captainshanky) July 18, 2018

#Rohit getting the axe doesn’t surprise many:

Fan of Rohit Sharma but honestly, not surprised that selectors have decided to look again at Karun Nair.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) July 18, 2018

Rohit Sharma dropped from the Test squad! Great decision! Kuldeep included. Another great decision! Rishabh Pant included as well. Bhuvi's fitness a massive worry and a decision is yet to be taken. #ENGvIND

— PP (@PrashantSport) July 18, 2018

https://twitter.com/gurdeep0701/status/1019514750294806528