Pandya replaces `injured` Rohit, Gambhir retained for Tests against England

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], Nov.2 (ANI): Veteran batsman Gautam Gambhir, who returned to the Test squad against New Zealand after a two-year absence from international cricket, has been retained in the 15-man squad for the first two matches of the five-Test series against England starting from November 9 in Rajkot. Pace spearhead Ishant Sharma has also been recalled in the Test squad after recovering fully from Chikungunya, which had ruled him out of the New Zealand series. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma has been left out of the squad due to an injury which he sustained during India's final ODI against New Zealand. Hardik Pandya has been called in as his replacement. "Unfortunately, Rohit Sharma has been badly injured and there is a scope of surgical intervention," said national chief selector MSK Prasad while unveiling the squad for the England series. On the other hand, the bowling trio of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Shami, who were rested for the five-match ODI series against New Zealand, have also been recalled against the Alastair Cook-led side for the first two Tests. The Indian Test squad for first two Tests is as follows: Virat Kohli (captain), Ajinkya Rahane (vice-captain), Ishant Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, Gautam Gambhir, Jayant Yadav, Amit Mishra, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Wriddhiman Saha, Karun Nair, Mohammad Shami, Murali Vijay, Umesh Yadav, Hardik Pandya. (ANI)