Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25: 3 uncapped Indian players who have been included for Australia test tour

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 is scheduled to get underway on November 22 in Perth.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy has become one of the two biggest rivalries in test cricket, matching the hype and excitement of the Ashes. Known for the fierce battle between the two powerhouses of world cricket, India and Australia, it is one of the fixtures cricket fans and analysts mark first on their calendars.

India have dominated the contests in the past seven years, winning the last four series. The Indian dominance has not been limited to home with the Asian giants winning the last two series on Australian soil as well.

On October 25, the BCCI announced India’s squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. While the selectors have maintained the core group, they have also included some new faces in the side. Among the players selected, three are uncapped in test cricket.

Three uncapped Indian players who have received their maiden India test call-up for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25:

1. Abhimanyu Easwaran

Abhimanyu Easwaran has been rewarded for his consistency and success in domestic cricket. Having scored over 7,500 First Class (FC) runs at an impressive average of 49.92, Easwaran has proven his grit in the domestic circuit. With Rohit Sharma reportedly set to miss the first test due to personal reasons, Abhimanyu might get a chance to make his test debut in Perth.

In the recently-concluded Duleep Trophy, Easwaran was the second-highest run-scorer, amassing 309 runs at an average of 77.25, including two centuries. Moreover, in this calendar year, he has scored 921 runs at an average of 76.80.

2. Harshit Rana

Harshit Rana, who played a key role in the Kolkata Knight Riders’ title-winning campaign this year by picking up 19 wickets in the season, has received his maiden test call-up for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Apart from his good show in the Indian Premier League, Rana has hit the ground running in domestic cricket as well, snaring 36 wickets in nine First Class (FC) matches at an average of 24.75 with three four-wicket hauls and one five-for.

With Mohammed Shami missing the series owing to his injuries, India need a deep fast-bowling reserve at their disposal. Rana, with his ability to click 140kmph and seam the ball both ways, has been trusted to be useful on the Australian coast.

3. Nitish Kumar Reddy

Nitish Kumar Reddy has been included in India’s test squad for the first time and is the only seam-bowling all-rounder in the squad. Having a fast-bowling all-rounder who can bat in the top seven is a luxury for any team touring Australia.

Previously, India had Shardul Thakur for a similar role. This time, though, the selectors have turned their focus around the fresh face of Nitish. Reddy is part of the India A team as well that will take on Australia A in two four-day games.

Reddy made his T20I debut against Bangladesh recently. He played a decisive role in the second game of the three-match series, playing a blistering knock of 74 and taking two wickets.

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