BCCI selectors likely to meet on this date as Cheteshwar Pujara in focus

The anticipation for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia is intensifying, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) prepares to announce the Test squad for the series. The squad selection, reportedly set to be finalised after the conclusion of the second Test against New Zealand in Pune, and is expected to be revealed on October 28. This selection meeting is poised to address key issues, with Cheteshwar Pujara’s potential return as one of the main talking points as per TOI.

Cheteshwar Pujara possible return

One of the major areas of focus for the BCCI selectors is the potential recall of veteran Test batsman Cheteshwar Pujara. Pujara, a stalwart of Indian Test cricket, has been absent from the national side since the World Test Championship (WTC) final in 2023. However, his record in Australia makes him a strong contender for selection.

During the 2018-19 series in Australia, Pujara played a pivotal role, scoring 521 runs and guiding India to a historic series win. He followed it up with another solid performance in the 2020-21 series, where he contributed 271 runs.

Additionally, Pujara’s recent form in domestic cricket, including a double century in the Ranji Trophy, has further boosted his chances of making a comeback. The selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, must weigh Pujara’s experience against the team’s long-term goals, as they look to find the right balance for a tough tour.

Fitness and pace attack for India vs Australia

The fitness and availability of key fast bowlers will also be a significant consideration for the selectors. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj are expected to lead the pace attack, but questions remain over the fitness of Mohammed Shami. Shami’s recovery and match readiness have been a concern, and captain Rohit Sharma has previously stressed the importance of selecting fully fit players for such a demanding tour.

The selectors are expected to provide an update on Mohammed Shami’s fitness, while names like Avesh Khan and Yash Dayal will likely be considered for backup pacer slots. This could be a crucial factor in shaping India’s bowling strategy, especially given the fast and bouncy pitches typically encountered in Australia.

Nitish Kumar Reddy development

In a related development, young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has been left out of India’s T20I squad for the series against South Africa. Instead, Reddy will be part of India A’s tour to Australia, where he will play an intra-squad match against the senior Test team. This move indicates the BCCI’s intention to groom Reddy as a future seam-bowling all-rounder, offering him valuable exposure and experience against top-level competition.

What’s ahead with BGT?

The squad selection on October 28 is likely to be a pivotal moment as India prepares for one of the most challenging tours in world cricket. With critical decisions regarding Cheteshwar Pujara’s return, the fitness of fast bowlers, and the integration of young talent like Nitish Reddy, the BCCI selectors will need to strike the right balance between experience and youth.

The upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy promises to be a thrilling contest, with India’s final squad announcement set to shape their strategy for success in Australia.