The Control Board for Cricket in India (BCCI) highlighted the sudden decision of star batter Virat Kohli for retirement from Test cricket. Kohli gave shocking news earlier this month, when India captain Rohit Sharma also announced his test retirement. On Saturday, Ajit Agkar, Chairman of the Selection Committee, addressed a press conference before announcing India’s squad for the upcoming Test tour of England. During the Pressor, Agkar revealed that Kohli reached the BCCI in early April, already made up his mind to retire from the format.
Agkar said during the press conference, “Virat reached in early April and said that he made his mind (to retire from Test cricket).”
Shubman Gill was appointed as the new Test captain of India on Saturday while Rishabh Pant was named his deputy.
The decision of the selectors on the leadership of the team was on the expected lines after the retirement of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Young Left-Hander B Sai Reformson earned his first Test call-up.
The squad also includes Karun Nair, who returns to the national set up after seven years. A notable exclusion was Pesar Mohammed Shami, which was not considered sufficient fit for a longer series.
“Last year either we have seen Shubman (for leadership). We hope that he is the man (to take the team forward). It’s a high pressure, but he is a terrible player. We wish him all the best,” we wish everyone all the best.
On Shami, he said: “His charge is not the place where he should be. We were hoping that he will be available but it is unfortunate. At the moment he is not a dilli fit. From the tour of Australia, Harshit Rana and Sarfaraz Khan have been dropped.
Bharat Squad: Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Reformson, Abhimanyu Ishwar, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Rabindra Jadeja, Dhurav Jurlel, Washington Beautiful, Shardul Thakur Singh and Kuldeep Yadav.
(With PTI input)
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