Team India's squad for the first Test of upcoming two-match Bangladesh series has been announced. Gautam Gambhir's first assignment in the red-ball format would see the Bangla Tigers visit for a two-match series, as a part of the World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle.
Rohit Sharma & Co. will be back in action after a month-long break since the Sri Lanka tour. As such, there are a couple of players making their return to the Indian Test squad.
Seasoned campaigner KL Rahul makes a return to the Test team along with Rishabh Pant. But what would that mean for the likes of Sarfaraz Khan, who just debuted for India recently in Rahul's absence!
BET NOW: Exclusive sign-up offers and bonuses when you bet on sporting action
How will the Indian team lineup at Chennai for the 1st Test?
The Indian think-tank have a plethora of options to choose from. Gautam Gambhir and Rohit Sharma would have a selection headache ahead of the first Test at Chepauk.
Batting: The likes of Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Virat Kohli choose themselves, based on form. Jaiswal was the highest run-scorer in the Test series against England at home earlier this year.
Meanwhile, Virat and Rohit walk straight into the playing XI. Shubman Gill, who occupied the No.3 slot against England in Kohli's absence, might be sweating a bit after a lacklustre show in the Duleep Trophy.
The dilemma would rise in the lower-middle order, as KL Rahul is expected to feature. And with Pant set to come after him, Sarfaraz, who played three matches against England, might be forced to sit out.
The presence of able spin-bowling all-rounders in Axar Patel, Ravi Ashwin, and Ravi Jadeja could hinder Sarfaraz's selection too. A bowler who could bat, is vital in any format of the game.
Bowling: Ravi Ashwin would be a sure-shot pick in Chennai, one would think. One, or both of Axar Patel and Ravi Jadeja could then be picked to partner the local-lad. However, on current form, it is difficult to drop Kuldeep Yadav.
Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj would be India's frontline pacers in the Test series. However, since Chennai is a spin-friendly venue, one could see just Bumrah play.
MORE: Mark Taylor calls for Steve Smith's return to Australian T20I team
What is India's probable playing XI against Bangladesh for Chennai Test?
India's likely playing XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
What is India's Test squad for Bangladesh series?
Batters:
Rohit Sharma (Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan.
Wicket-keepers:
Rishabh Pant (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK).
Spinners:
Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav.
Pacers:
Mohammad Siraj, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah, Yash Dayal.
🚨 NEWS 🚨- Team India's squad for the 1st Test of the IDFC FIRST Bank Test series against Bangladesh announced.
— BCCI (@BCCI) September 8, 2024
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
If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Learn more >