India has reinstated Rishabh Pant to the Test squad for the first match of the home series against Bangladesh, which kicks off on September 19 in Chennai. This marks Pant’s first appearance in the red-ball side since his devastating accident in December 2022.
Following a grueling and extensive rehabilitation process, Pant demonstrated his resilience and skill by making a notable comeback in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he amassed 446 runs in 13 matches. His performances earned him a spot in the successful T20 World Cup campaign. Later, he participated in an ODI in Sri Lanka and played in the just-concluded Duleep Trophy opener. Having last featured in a Test just before his accident, Pant now makes his return as the Indian summer begins, alongside Dhruv Jurel, who also features as a wicketkeeper in the squad.
The Indian squad for the first Test comprises Rohit Sharma (captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel, R Ashwin, R Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah, and Yash Dayal.
Meanwhile, Bengal pacer Akash Deep clinched the position of the third seamer in the squad, lining up alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. Akash, who made his Test debut against England in Ranchi earlier this year, impressed selectors with his spectacular performance for India A in the Duleep Trophy, where he took nine wickets, including a five-wicket haul. Unfortunately, Mukesh Kumar, who has three Test caps to his name, missed out on the squad. However, uncapped left-arm fast bowler Yash Dayal has been included in the 16-member contingent. In addition to Mukesh, players like Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, and KS Bharat, who were part of the England series, have not made the cut for this series.
In the middle order, India recalls KL Rahul and incorporates Sarfaraz Khan, who made a favorable impression with three 50-plus scores in six innings during his debut series against England. Rahul, who was sidelined for four of the five-Test series against England due to a quadriceps injury, has made a robust comeback.
As anticipated, the Indian team will also have a strong spin quartet comprising R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav, offering the team a range of spin-bowling options to choose from.
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After the inaugural Test in Chennai, the action will shift to Kanpur for the second fixture starting on September 27. The series will then transition into three T20Is from October 6 to October 12.
In terms of team strategy, the inclusion of Pant in the squad provides India with a significant boost, considering his aggressive batting style and proficient wicketkeeping skills. His performance in recent domestic and international limited-overs matches suggests he is back to his best form. Pant’s return is likely to add flair and confidence to the middle order alongside established players like Virat Kohli and KL Rahul.
On the bowling front, the Indian squad appears well-balanced with a mix of experienced quicks, promising newcomers, and versatile spinners. The selection of Akash Deep and Yash Dayal highlights the emphasis on enhancing the pace attack’s depth and variety. Akash’s recent form, coupled with Siraj and Bumrah’s proven capabilities, ensures a formidable pace battery.
In the spin department, the quartet of Ashwin, Jadeja, Axar, and Kuldeep not only augments India’s bowling arsenal but also provides substantial batting depth. Each of these spinners has demonstrated the ability to turn matches, whether through tight, economical spells or through critical breakthroughs in the middle overs.
As India’s summer of cricket begins, fans eagerly anticipate the first Test against Bangladesh, especially in Chennai, known for its enthusiastic cricket following. The return of Rishabh Pant, coupled with the presence of seasoned campaigners and exciting young talent, sets the stage for an enthralling contest. The interaction between seasoned athletes and emerging stars could well be the nucleus around which this series’ narrative unravels.
Followed by the Tests, the T20I series promises to keep the cricket fever alive, providing fans and analysts alike with much to discuss and cherish as India gears up for a cricketing marathon against Bangladesh.