The Indian squad for the first two Tests of home series against England has observed some interesting changes. From the last series against New Zealand there are three batsmen missing -- all ruled out due to injury. The name includes openers KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma. Nothing much can be done about injuries; however, their absence might force skipper Virat Kohli to make different strategy this time around given the different team composition.

The injuries compelled selectors to make changes, Karun Nair, for instance, features in the 15-member squad. Ishant Sharma is back in the team and is expected to feature in the playing 11 straight away. Eyes would also be on Gautam Gambhir who made a second innings half-century in his comeback Test in Indore. Amit Mishra might only get a chance if his skipper wants to play three spinners, even after his ‘Man Of The Series’ performance in the recently concluded One-Day Series against New Zealand.

Although the squad looks a little inexperienced, the middle order comprising of Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane can make bowlers pray for mercy. The most surprising decision was to give Baroda’s Hardik Pandya a place in the Test squad. Would he be the first choice of skipper to be included in the 11? Possible but unlikely. This comes more as a surprise because he has played only 16 first class matches. Perhaps, it would have been a wise choice to let him play the ongoing Ranji season and then call him when he is sure of getting a game. Jayant Yadav has also been included in the side.

India would look to perform in a way that best justifies their number one ranking. The series kicks off on November 9, 2016 with first test being played at Rajkot.

Squad: Virat Kohli (capt.), R Ashwin, Gautam Gambhir, Ravindra Jadeja, Amit Mishra, Mohammad Shami, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Wriddhiman Saha, Karun Nair, M Vijay, Umesh Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Ishant Sharma, Jayant Yadav