Mohammed Shami and Shreyas Iyer have been included in the India squad for the fourth Test against Australia that begins in Dharamsala on Saturday.
The All-India Senior Selection Committee took the decision after a meeting held earlier on Saturday, the BCCI informed in a statement.
Shami had joined the team in Dharamshala raising hopes of a comeback for the 26-year-old, who has not played for India since injuring his knee in November. Iyer too was a last-minute inclusion and has been brought in as cover for skipper Virat Kohli, who is nursing a shoulder injury picked up while fielding in the third Test at Ranchi.
Kohli is doubtful for the series-deciding Test and admitted on Friday that he would play only if he is 100 per cent fit. “If I get through the fitness test, then I’ll play. We will take a call later tonight or tomorrow,” the 28-year-old said on Saturday.
For Iyer, it is his maiden call up to the Indian squad. The 22-year-old had impressed with an unbeaten 202 off 210 balls against the visiting Australia team in a 3-Day Practice match in Mumbai ahead of the series.
Kohli had also admitted that the team management had plans for Shami, which is why he was sent to play the final of the Vijay Hazare trophy. Shami bagged four wickets but could not save Bengal from defeat at the hands of Tamil Nadu. He is likely to replace Ishant Sharma in the playing XI.
“We sent him to play, wanted to give him match practice, Kohli had informed. “I’ve not spoken to selectors but all kinds of possibilities are there approaching the next Test,” he added.