India unveiled a 16-member squad for the first Test match against Bangladesh which is scheduled to begin in Chennai on 19th September as a part of a two-match Test series. This will be India’s first red-ball fixture after their epochal 4-1 win over England earlier this year. Although the squad announcement had no stuff for breaking news, the uncapped Yash Dayal’s selection has stirred interest in fans and pundits alike.
Keeping in view the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, India would love to have a young left-arm seamer on board. Should Dayal really do what the management wants him to, India will end up with an asset to make their bowling lineup even stronger. He has also bowled decently in the opening game of the Duleep Trophy for India B and averages almost 28 with the ball in First-class games. It would be shocking if he does not replicate his stats at the international level.
In addition to Yash Dayal’s selection, wicket-keeper batter, Rishabh Pant is making a Test comeback for the first time after his car accident in 2022. Pant, too, was instrumental during the first fixture of the Duleep Trophy. The 26-year-old covered up his 7-run knock during the first inning with a much-needed 61 off 47 balls in the second. Dhruv Jurel will be India’s backup gloveman, who has already proved his batting skills with brilliant outings against England.
Finally, KL Rahul has been called back into the squad after getting sidelined during the England series a few months ago owing to a quadriceps injury. However, it will be interesting to see whether he gets to play ahead of Sarfaraz Khan, who has an on-the-dot 50 average in the three Test matches he played, given that his performances of late have not been very satisfying.
The rest is just the usual. Mohammad Shami will sit this out as well to tend to his ankle injury. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj will spearhead the bowling attack. Akash Deep has earned his place after scalping nine wickets during the first match in the Duleep Trophy. The top-order writes itself with Rohit Sharma opening with the young Yashasvi Jaiswal followed by Shubman Gill at the number three position. Virat Kohli will take his routine fourth position.
The first Test match will be played at Chepauk in Chennai. What is Chennai known for if not its spin-friendly track? India have got the spin department covered with the veterans Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, in addition to Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav.
Following the Test series, India will play three T20Is against Bangladesh as well. Soon after the conclusion of the Bangladesh series, India will host New Zealand for a red-ball Test series. Currently, the Rohit Sharma-led team occupies the top position in the World Test Championship (WTC) table.
India’s squad for first Test vs Bangladesh
Rohit Sharma (captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (wk), Dhruv Jurel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah, Yash Dayal
