Test squad for South Africa series announced, Ravindra Jadeja included

Jadeja’s impressive Ranji Trophy form has paid off

Out of favour all-rounder, Ravindra Jadeja has made a swift comeback to the Indian team, after being named in the Test squad against South Africa. The 26-year old was dropped from the recent series against Sri Lanka, but makes a return, thanks to his impressive Ranji Trophy campaign. The left-arm spinner has already taken 24 wickets in the ongoing Ranji Campaign.

The biggest exclusion so far, is that of Ravichandran Ashwin from the last two ODIs as he continues his recovery. However, he has been picked in the 16-member Test squad and is expected to get fit by the time the first Test begins. Also, there was no place for Yuvraj Singh in the squad, despite some excellent performances for Punjab in the Ranji Trophy.

Earlier, some reports suggested that he could be in the frame for the last two ODIs as India’s search for a finisher continued.

Seamer Umesh Yadav will be replaced by S Aravind for the remainder of the ODI series.

Opener Murali Vijay also makes a return from injury.

India are currently trailing 2-1 in the ongoing Mahatma Gandhi-Nelson Mandela series against South Africa.

The squad for first two Tests: Virat Kohli (capt), M Vijay, Shikhar Dhawan, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, Wriddhiman Saha, Ravindra Jadeja, Amit Mishra, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umesh Yadav, KL Rahul, Stuart Binny, Varun Aaron, Ishant Sharma

ODI squad for last two matches: MS Dhoni (capt), Stuart Binny, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Axar Patel, Ajinkya Rahane, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Mohit Sharma, Rohit Sharma, S Aravind, Gurkeerat Singh, Amit Mishra, Harbhajan Singh

More to follow....