The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Sunday unveiled the much-anticipated men’s team squad for the first Test match against Bangladesh. Scheduled to commence on September 19 in Chennai, the Test series opener will feature a robust 16-member squad, with some intriguing selections that have caught the eye of cricket enthusiasts.
In a significant boost for the team, high-profile players such as Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant make their much-anticipated returns to the squad. The inclusion of these seasoned players brings a blend of experience and skill that India will rely on heavily as they square off against the Bangla Tigers.
However, the spotlight also shines brightly on Yash Dayal, the 26-year-old who earns his first Test call-up. Dayal represents the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and has gained recognition following an impressive performance in the ongoing Duleep Trophy. There, he clinched four crucial wickets for India B, impressing selectors with his consistent form and bowling prowess.
Yash Dayal had previously been selected for India’s One Day International (ODI) series against Bangladesh but had to be replaced by Kuldeep Sen after unfortunately succumbing to an injury. Despite this setback, Dayal, who has yet to make his debut for the national side, now has another chance to prove his mettle on the international stage.
Virat Kohli’s return is particularly noteworthy, as the batting maestro had missed the Test series against England owing to personal reasons. Kohli’s re-integration brings not only his phenomenal batting skills but also a wealth of experience to guide the younger members of the squad. Similarly, KL Rahul’s inclusion is another positive for the squad. Rahul had an uneven showing during the five-match Test series against England, playing just one match, but remains a formidable presence at the crease.
Adding further intrigue is the return of Rishabh Pant, who is set to don the Test whites for the first time since a harrowing car accident in late December 2022. Pant’s comeback is a testament to his resilience and determination to return to top-flight cricket after such a traumatic event. His explosive batting ability and sharp wicket-keeping skills will undoubtedly be essential for India’s aspirations in this series.
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Although many star players have made their way back to the squad, the omission of Shreyas Iyer raises questions. Iyer had been part of the Indian team for the Test series against England but has now been dropped following the first two Tests in that campaign. His struggles with both performance and injury during that series seem to have influenced the selectors’ decision.
The BCCI’s announcement also shed light on the complete squad list, showcasing a blend of veterans and upcoming talent. The team will be captained by Rohit Sharma, who leads a formidable batting lineup featuring the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Sarfaraz Khan. Alongside them, the returning stalwarts Kohli, Rahul, and Pant complete a solid top order.
The all-rounder slots are occupied by the trio of R Ashwin, R Jadeja, and Axar Patel, all of whom bring valuable depth in both batting and bowling departments. The bowling attack looks equally strong with pacers Mohd. Siraj, Akash Deep, and the ever-reliable Jasprit Bumrah set to share the new ball duties. Yash Dayal, whose performances have now earned him a place in the Test squad, will be eager to make a significant impact.
For wicket-keeping duties, the team boasts the capability of Rishabh Pant, alongside Dhruv Jurel, ensuring that the squad is well-equipped with both primary and backup options. The spin department remains robust with Kuldeep Yadav joining the ranks.
Despite the absence of Shreyas Iyer, this Indian squad exudes confidence and balance, primed to take on Bangladesh in a Test series that promises to be a thrilling encounter.
India’s squad for the first Test match against Bangladesh:
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 Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah, Yash Dayal.
As the countdown begins for this critical fixture, the mix of experienced players and fresh talent in the Indian lineup sets the stage for an exciting and competitive series against Bangladesh.
