India vs Bangladesh Test Series: Squad News, Key Updates, and What to Expect

 

Image: BCCI

India's Test Season Kicks Off With Bangladesh 

The much-waited Indian Test season is around the bend with the first of two Tests against Bangladesh in Chennai getting underway from September 19. The fans are itching to finally see India back in whites after a long break from red-ball cricket, especially as there are some exciting changes to the squad.

Long Hiatus Over as Rishabh Pant Returns 

The most discussed news when this series began, wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant, makes his return into the side. Having been out of action since his life-threatening road accident in December 2022, Pant is back in the Test squad after close to 20 months. This adds so much to the middle order with aggressive batting and dynamic wicketkeeping.

The journey of Pant has been absolutely commendable. Once he recovered from his accident, he slowly made his way back into international cricket through the IPL and into the T20 World Cup. His selection into the Test squad in itself is an indication that he is geared up to create magic once again.

Virat Kohli Returns 

Omitting the last test series for India against England, Virat Kohli comes back in a point-to-prove situation more than anything. While his form in the shorter formats has been good, all eyes wait eagerly to watch him with the red ball. His presence only strengthens the already strong Indian top order, and fans are salivating at the prospect of his patented cover drives lighting up Chennai.

Surprise Omission of Mohammed Shami 

Now, all selection news is not good. That is because Mohammed Shami, expected to make his return into the scheme of things for the Bangladesh series, has been left out of the 17 member squad. Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar had expressed confidence about the possibility of Shami's return, but the right-arm pacer did not make the cut. Instead, the focus falls on Yash Dayal, who gets his first Test call-up. Inclusion of the left-arm seamer gives depth to India's bowling as it adds variety and provides another different dimension to the captain Rohit Sharma.

Bangladesh Full of Confidence 

Bangladesh enters this series with a high degree of confidence after defeating Pakistan 2-0 at home in what was a historic series. That series in Bangladesh was one in which its bowlers, notably Shakib Al Hasan, were in prime form, and they look to carry that good form into their matches against India. A series between the two sides is going to be a thrilling encounter where India will try to keep their dominance and Bangladesh will look to continue their winning momentum.

For instance, India historically took the better of the two sides in Tests against Bangladesh. This would be their 13th face-off in Test matches where India emerged as the winner in 11 and two ended in draws. Stats apart, Bangladeshi Tigers are going to give their best, especially after recent form.

India Squad for the 1st Test

• Rohit Sharma (c)
• Yashasvi Jaiswal
• Shubman Gill
• Virat Kohli
• KL Rahul
• Sarfaraz Khan
• Rishabh Pant (wk)
• Dhruv Jurel (wk)
• Ravichandran Ashwin
• Ravindra Jadeja
• Axar Patel
• Kuldeep Yadav
• Mohammed Siraj
• Akash Deep
• Jasprit Bumrah
• Yash Dayal

The Road Ahead 

India's performance in this series will set the tone for their long Test season ahead. A good beginning is necessary, especially against a rejuvenated Bangladesh side. While India enjoy home advantage, Bangladesh's new-found confidence could throw in some surprises.

For aficionados, the Test series between India and Bangladesh represents a clash between two salivating ambitions: dominance for India at home, and making a statement on foreign soil for Bangladesh.