India have announced the squad for the first two test matches against England of the upcoming five-match series at home. The first two test matches will take place at Hyderabad and Vishakhapatnam, with the matches being held from 25th-29th January and from 2nd-6th February respectively. India last played a Test Series in December-January against South Africa in South Africa where they drew 1-1. Though there are not many changes in the squad, here are some players who have been dropped and some who have been added for the England series.

The biggest name that has been dropped from the squad but was named in the series vs South Africa is Ishan Kishan. Kishan was initially named in the squad against South Africa, but then withdrew due to personal reasons. However, he has entirely been dropped for the first two Test Matches. There are rumours that the selectors have been miffed with his disciplinary issues after he was seen partying in Dubai and appearing on a popular television quiz show after opting out of the South Africa series due to personal reasons.

Mohammed Shami, who was initially named in the squad against South Africa, was pulled out due to an injury. He misses out from the first two Tests vs England as well. Prasidh Krishna played both matches against South Africa, but is not part of this squad. Shardul Thakur is another name that misses out.

Ruturaj Gaikwad missed out from the South Africa series after being named in the squad due to injury. He remains injured and misses out fot the first two Test matches against England as well. Abhimanyu Easwaran, who was named as his replacement for the series vs South Africa, misses out from the first two Test matches vs England as well.

Dhuv Jurel makes his debut for India as he is named as the third wicketkeeper-batter in the squad alongside KL Rahul and KS Bharat. Axar Patel, who missed out from the series against South Africa, is now part of the first two Test matches against England, as his spin bowling will come handy against England on the turning track here at home.

Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), KS Bharat (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Avesh Khan

(With inputs from agencies)