BCCI overlooks Chesteshwar Pujara for IND vs ENG Tests despite Saurashtra veteran's double ton in Ranji Trophy

Cheteshwar Pujara's last Test match for India came against Australia in 2023 during the World Test Championship final.

Cheteshwar Pujara celebrates after scoring a double hundred against Jharkhand in Ranji Trophy. (Image:

New Delhi: A double hundred against Jharkhand was not enough for Cheteshwar Pujara to satisfy the selectors as the BCCI on Friday evening announced the Indian squad for the first two Test matches against England starting later this month. Pujara, who did not find a place in India's tour of South Africa, scored an unbeaten 243 for Saurashtra in their opening match of the Ranji Trophy against Jharkhand earlier this week. The right-hander scored 49 on Day 1 of Saurashtra's second match against Haryana, which started on Friday.

Pujara, who last played for India in the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia in July last year, is determined to make a comeback to the national team. Since his rejection in India, the 'Mr. Reliable' has scored a lot of runs in domestic cricket but none seem to impress the Ajit Agarkar-led BCCI selection committee.

While India are trying to get Shubman Gill at No. 3 in the Tests to replace Pujara, the youngster is yet to stamp his authority in the longest format. Given Pujara's form and home venue, Pujara could have been an ideal addition to the Indian middle class that lacks experience.

However, the Test veteran can still be hopeful as the squad for the final three matches is yet to be announced. A few more hundreds in the Ranji Trophy could force the BCCI selectors to change their minds. However, young wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel is the only new face in the Indian side for the first two Tests.

Senior pacer Mohammed Shami was not named in the squad as he continues his recovery process from an injury he sustained during the ODI World Cup last year. Wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan, who had opted out of the South African Test series, was also not included.

Rohit Sharma will lead the 16-member squad while Jasprit Bumrah will be his deputy. Karnataka pacer Prasidh Krishna was also left out as he also suffered a left quadriceps injury during the Ranji Trophy match against Gujarat on Friday.

However, KS Bharat could be the first-choice wicketkeeper-batsman and the selectors have also named KL Rahul for the role. Rahul had donned the big gloves in the two Test matches against South Africa with considerable success.

But it is unlikely that the Bengaluru man would be able to continue his role against England as India will certainly field three spinners – Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar – a move that warrants a specialist behind the stumps. The first Test will be played in Hyderabad from January 25 and the second match will be held in Visakhapatnam from February 2.

India Test squad for the first two Tests: Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), KS Bharat (WK), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah (vice-captain), Avesh Khan.