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Xtra Time Web Desk: The All-India Senior Selection Committee on Friday has picked the squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against New Zealand. As expected Ajinkya Rahane has been named the captain of the side for the first test which will be played at Kanpur from November 25. Regular captain Virat Kohli will be back leading the side for the second test at Wankhede from Decemebr 3.

Cheteshwar Pujara has been named as the vice-captain for the first test. The selectors have named three openers in the side – KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal and Shubman Gill. The middle order comprises of Cheteshwar Pujara, Shreyas Iyer and Ravindra Jadeja. Experienced Ravichandran Ashwin will spearhead the spin bowling department along with Axar Patel and Jayant Yadav. The fast bowling unit comprises of Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav and Prasidh Krishna.

Surprisingly, Hanuma Vihari's name does not feature in the test squad. It is not sure whether he is dropped or carrying an injury.

India’s Test squad: Ajinkya Rahane (Captain), KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara (vice-captain), Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Wriddhiman Saha (wicket-keeper), KS Bharat (wicket-keeper), Ravindra Jadeja, R. Ashwin, Axar Patel, Jayant Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav, Md. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna