In a much-anticipated return, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been included in India’s squad for the first Test match against Bangladesh, marking his comeback to Test cricket after nearly 20 months. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) revealed the squad, with Rohit Sharma set to lead the team. The match will kick off India’s long Test season, starting on September 19 in Chennai. This series will be crucial for both teams as they look to establish dominance in the longer format of the game.
Rishabh Pant, 26, has had a tumultuous journey back to the top level of cricket following a serious car accident on December 30, 2022. The accident occurred just days after he played in the second and final Test against Bangladesh in Mirpur. Pant’s recovery kept him away from the field for several months, but his determination saw him make a return to competitive cricket during the Indian Premier League (IPL) earlier this year. His return to the national squad is seen as a significant boost for India, particularly in the Test format, where Pant’s aggressive batting and sharp wicketkeeping have made him a key player.
Rohit Sharma will captain the squad, while former captain Virat Kohli and pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah have also been named. Notably, young fast bowler Yash Dayal has earned his maiden call-up to the Test squad, while Akash Deep has been included to strengthen the pace attack. However, seasoned pacer Mohammed Shami has missed out on selection for this Test, despite earlier hints from chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar that he was being considered for a comeback.
🚨 NEWS 🚨- Team India’s squad for the 1st Test of the IDFC FIRST Bank Test series against Bangladesh announced.
Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), R Ashwin, R Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep… pic.twitter.com/pQn7Ll7k3X
— BCCI (@BCCI) September 8, 2024
India’s Test season is set to begin with this two-match series against Bangladesh, with the second Test scheduled for September 27 to October 1 at Green Park Stadium in Kanpur. Bangladesh will be entering the series with momentum, having recently achieved a historic 2-0 win over Pakistan in their own backyard. On the other hand, this will be India’s first Test assignment since their 4-1 home series victory against England earlier this year.
Historically, India has dominated Test cricket against Bangladesh, winning 11 of the 13 matches played between the two nations, with the remaining two matches ending in draws. The upcoming series will be a critical test for both teams as they prepare for upcoming challenges in the Test cricket arena.
Pant’s return has been highly anticipated by fans and cricket analysts alike. Known for his explosive batting style, Pant will add depth to India’s middle order, and his wicketkeeping skills are expected to strengthen the team’s defense behind the stumps. His recent form in the IPL has raised hopes that he will quickly regain his place as one of India’s most dangerous players in the Test format.
India’s squad for the first Test also includes promising talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and KL Rahul, along with experienced campaigners like Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel. The spin department looks well-balanced, with Kuldeep Yadav also named in the squad, providing the team with a variety of options on what is expected to be spin-friendly pitches in Chennai and Kanpur.
The absence of Mohammed Shami, however, is a talking point, as he has been a consistent performer for India in Tests. Despite not being selected for this series, Shami’s return to fitness will be closely monitored by the team management, as his experience and ability to swing the ball both ways are crucial assets for India in future Test assignments.
India’s selectors have shown faith in the young pacers, with Jasprit Bumrah leading the attack. Bumrah’s fitness and rhythm will be crucial as India looks to dominate the series and build momentum for the upcoming ICC World Test Championship cycle.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, will be buoyed by their recent success against Pakistan and will aim to carry that confidence into this challenging series against India. With experienced players like Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim in their ranks, Bangladesh will be no pushovers, especially after their historic win in Pakistan.
As cricket fans eagerly await the start of this highly anticipated series, all eyes will be on Rishabh Pant, whose return to Test cricket after a long absence promises to be a significant moment in India’s journey in the longest format of the game.
India’s Squad for the 1st Test of the Bangladesh Series:
Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah, Yash Dayal.
