Border Gavaskar Trophy: 3 players who missed out on India Test squad

On October 25, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) unveiled the Test squad for India's upcoming tour of Australia, with the Borer Gavaskar Trophy first match set to commence on November 22 in Perth. The announcement featured a robust 18-member squad, along with three travelling reserves, reflecting a strategic approach to the challenging series ahead. Notably, young talents Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana received their maiden Test call-ups, signaling the team's commitment to infusing fresh energy into the lineup. Additionally, fast bowler Prasidh Krishna has been recalled to bolster the bowling attack. Under pressure, KL Rahul managed to retain his spot in the squad, showcasing the selectors' faith in his abilities despite recent performances.

The Rohit Sharma-led team also includes Bengal opener Abhimanyu Easwaran, who has been in good form, and Washington Sundar, who was recently added to the squad prior to the ongoing second Test against New Zealand. This blend of experience and youth aims to create a competitive edge for India as they prepare to face Australia, a formidable opponent known for its challenging home conditions. With a mix of seasoned players and emerging stars, the squad looks to build on its strengths and rise to the occasion in what promises to be an exhilarating India vs Australia five-match Test series. Here are the top three players who missed out on the India Test squad for the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. 

3 Players who were unlucky to miss out of India squad for the Border Gavaskar Trophy

1. Ruturaj Gaikwad

Maharashtra opening batter Ruturaj Gaikwad has once again missed out on a place in the senior India squad, despite showcasing impressive form. While he has been appointed as the captain of the India A team for their upcoming tour of Australia, which includes two four-day matches, he was not selected for the main squad. Gaikwad's omission comes as a surprise, particularly after his standout performance in the Ranji Trophy, where he recently scored a century against Mumbai.

His consistent performances at the domestic level have garnered attention, and many fans and cricket experts were hopeful for his inclusion in the senior team. Despite this setback, Gaikwad will have the opportunity to lead the India A side, which could serve as a valuable experience and a chance to further impress selectors. As he prepares to captain the young talents in Australia, he will be eager to demonstrate his capabilities and continue building his case for future selection in the national squad. For Gaikwad, this tour represents both a challenge and an opportunity to reaffirm his status as one of India's promising opening batter.

2. Mohammed Shami

India's senior pacer Mohammed Shami was initially expected to be fit for the crucial Test series against Australia, with BCCI secretary Jay Shah even confirming his selection for the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 ahead of time. This raised hopes among fans and the team, considering the significant role he plays in the bowling lineup. However, the star pacer is still in the recovery phase following Achilles tendon surgery he underwent earlier this year. Despite optimistic projections about his return, Rohit Sharma recently shared that Shami is experiencing unusual swelling in his knees. This unforeseen issue has hindered his progress and delayed his comeback to the field.

The situation is concerning not just for Shami but also for the Indian team, as they prepare for a challenging series against Australia. His absence could impact the squad's performance, especially given the importance of having a fully fit and experienced pace attack. The coaching staff and selectors will need to reassess their options as they approach the start of the series, hoping for a swift recovery for Shami while preparing for contingencies should he remain sidelined.

3. Kuldeep Yadav

The chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav will miss the flight to Australia, marking a significant absence for the Indian squad. He had previously been part of the India team during their last two Test tours of Australia, making his omission noteworthy. The BCCI clarified the reason for his absence, stating, "Kuldeep Yadav was unavailable for selection for the tour of Australia as he has been referred to the BCCI Centre of Excellence following the ongoing Test series against New Zealand. This is for the long-term resolution of his chronic left groin issue."

Kuldeep's situation worsened when he was dropped from the playing XI for the second Test against New Zealand in Pune, where he was replaced by Washington Sundar. This decision reflected ongoing concerns about his fitness and form. As India prepares for the upcoming series, the lack of Kuldeep's spin capabilities could impact their strategy against Australia, which is known for its challenging batting conditions. The team's management will now have to consider alternatives to fill the gap left by Kuldeep while hoping for his recovery in the near future. His long-term health is a priority, and addressing his chronic injury is essential for his future contributions to the team.