India has announced the return of Rishabh Pant to the Test squad for the upcoming two-match home series against Bangladesh. The series is set to commence on September 19 in Chennai. This call-up marks Pant’s first inclusion in the Test side since his devastating accident in December 2022, which had sidelined him from all forms of cricket for an extended period.
After enduring a grueling recovery process, Pant’s determination has paid off. He showcased his resilience by making a strong return in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he amassed 446 runs in 13 matches. His stellar performances did not go unnoticed, and he was subsequently selected for India’s victorious campaign in the T20 World Cup. Further cementing his return, Pant donned the Indian jersey in an ODI series in Sri Lanka and also participated in the recently concluded Duleep Trophy opener. Prior to his accident, Pant last played a Test match, and now he makes a much-anticipated comeback as India gears up for its home summer.
The Indian squad for the first Test boasts a blend of experience and new talent. Leading the side is the seasoned Rohit Sharma (c), with the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli, solidifying the top order. KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, and the newly-returned Rishabh Pant, along with Dhruv Jurel, who is the other wicketkeeper, form the middle order. The spin department is robust with R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav. The pace attack will be spearheaded by Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, alongside newcomers Akash Deep and Yash Dayal.
In a notable development, Bengal pacer Akash Deep has been chosen as the third seamer. Akash’s inclusion comes after his impressive debut against England in Ranchi earlier this year. His performance for India A in the Duleep Trophy, where he claimed nine wickets, including a five-wicket haul, further bolstered his case. Unfortunately, Mukesh Kumar, who holds three Test caps, did not make the cut. Along with him, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, and KS Bharat, all of whom featured in the England series, have been omitted from the squad.
The middle-order sees the return of KL Rahul, who was sidelined for most of the last Test series against England due to a quad injury.
. Sarfaraz Khan retains his spot after impressing with three half-centuries in six innings during his debut series against England. The team’s spin options remain formidable, with the quartet of R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav providing depth and variety.
After the initial Test in Chennai, the action will move to Kanpur for the second match, scheduled from September 27. Following the Test series, India and Bangladesh will face off in a three-match T20 series, spanning from October 6 to 12.
Pant’s return to the squad is being viewed as a significant boost for the Indian team. His aggressive batting style and dynamic wicketkeeping add a crucial dimension to the squad, especially as India seeks to build momentum ahead of a packed home season.
For Rishabh Pant, the journey back to the Indian Test squad has been nothing short of heroic. His accident in December 2022 cast doubts over his career, but his dedication to rehabilitation and relentless pursuit of form have borne fruit. The IPL served as an ideal platform for Pant to announce his return to competitive cricket with an impressive tally of runs. His contributions were vital in India’s T20 World Cup victory, reaffirming his status as a critical asset to the team.
The selectors’ confidence in Pant is echoed in the team composition. Alongside young wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel, Pant’s role in the middle order will be pivotal. The combination of experienced campaigners like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli with the fresh talents of Jaiswal, Gill, and others, presents a balanced outlook for the Indian squad.
On the bowling front, the inclusion of Akash Deep, who has shown promise in domestic cricket, adds depth. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations, as evidenced by his stint in the Duleep Trophy, makes him a valuable addition. Meanwhile, the spin department, featuring Ashwin, Jadeja, Patel, and Yadav, promises to be a significant factor, particularly on Indian pitches that tend to assist spinners.
With India gearing up for the Bangladesh series, cricket enthusiasts are keenly watching how Rishabh Pant capitalizes on this opportunity. His return is not only a personal victory but also a significant boost for Indian cricket. As the team prepares for a challenging season ahead, Pant’s return could very well be the catalyst for a series of successes on home turf.