Twenty-three-year-old Hardik Pandya and 24-year-old Karun Nair were included in the Indian squad for the first two Tests of a five-match series against England, which will begin on November 9 in Rajkot.

The noteworthy exclusions from the squad that defeated New Zealand 3-0 in the home Test series in October were openers Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul, both out because of injuries. Gautam Gambhir, who made a return to Test cricket after two years in that series, is likely to continue opening along with Murali Vijay.

Pacer Ishant Sharma also makes a return to the team after being ruled out of the New Zealand Tests because of chikungunya.

All-rounder Pandya is the most notable inclusion to the squad, having impressed in the limited-overs format for India recently. Karnataka batsman Karun Nair has also been included, on the back of good form in the Ranji Trophy, while the team will be led by Virat Kohli.

Team for first two Tests against England:

Virat Kohli (captain), Murali Vijay, Ajinkya Rahane, Ishant Sharma, Gautam Gambhir, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Jayant Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Umesh Yadav, Karun Nair, Amit Mishra, Wriddhiman Saha, Cheteshwar Pujara.