Surya and Ishan were included in the first two test squads for the upcoming Australia series

The Indian Cricket Board announced on Friday (January 13) that wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan had been selected for the first two Test matches between India and Australia. Thanks to Rishabh Pant's protracted absence, Ishan can join the test team, including KS Bharat as the second wicketkeeper. 

In 48 first-class games since making his first-class debut against Assam in 2014, Kishan has amassed 2985 runs at an average of 38.76. His 273 against Delhi in November 2016 was his best.

The world’s No.1 T20I Batter, Suryakumar Yadav, also got a call-up for the first two tests and has been on fire for India in T20I matches. The middle-order batsman made his first-class debut against Delhi in December 2010 and has 5549 runs at an average of 44.79.

Jasprit Bumrah, who has been out with a back ailment since September of last year, is not included in the roster for the first two Test matches. Bumrah was chosen for the current ODI series against Sri Lanka. However, he was cut from the team soon before the first ODI in Guwahati. The Board said, "Bumrah, who was due to join the squad in Guwahati ahead of the ODI series, would require more time to develop bowling resilience."

Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, and Jaydev Unadkat make up most of the speed bowling unit in his absence. Unadkat recently rejoined the Indian Test team after a 12-year absence, and in the second Test against Bangladesh, he claimed three wickets. In the Ranji tournament 2022–2023, he followed it up by taking eight wickets in the first innings against Delhi.

Star All-around Ravindra Jadeja is scheduled to return, although his availability will depend on his fitness test. The other spinners on the team are Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and R. Ashwin.

In addition, Rohit Sharma, the team's skipper who missed the Test series in Bangladesh because of a thumb injury, is back. He will be assisted by KL Rahul, who commanded the team while he was away in Bangladesh.

Here below is the squad announced for the first two tests against Australia, starting next month:

Squad: Rohit Sharma (C), KL Rahul (VC), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KS Bharat (WK), Ishan Kishan (WK), R. Ashwin, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat, Suryakumar Yadav.