Pandya could make his Test debut later this month

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

India have included all-rounder Hardik Pandya in their squad for the upcoming three-Test series against Sri Lanka.

Pandya has become a regular face in India’s limited overs squads, but he has yet to make his Test debut.

Pandya was also called up to the Test squad for India’s home series against England in November last year, but he played no part in any of the matches as he hurt his shoulder during a training session.

Opener Lokesh Rahul is back after undergoing shoulder surgery, while his opening partner, Murali Vijay, is also fit after revealing that he played with a fractured wrist when India went up against Australia earlier this year.

Rohit Sharma is also back after enjoying a successful return from a thigh injury, which he underwent surgery for.

Meanwhile, Abhinav Mukund retained his spot as the back-up opener ahead of Shikhar Dhawan, even though the latter was the highest run-scorer at the Champions Trophy and accumulated 161 runs in the five-match ODI series against the West Indies at an average of 32.20.

As for the bowling line-up, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav have been selected as the three spinners. As for the pace attack, it will consist of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav.

The Test series between Sri Lanka and India will get underway on July 26 in Galle.

India’s Test Squad: Virat Kohli (capt.), M Vijay, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Abhinav Mukund