IND vs BAN: With a new coach in Gautam Gambhir, India is getting ready to return to Test cricket after a six-month break. The goal is very clear: they want to keep their top status in the World Test Championship standings into 2025. Beginning on September 19 in Chennai, the Indian squad will play a two-match Test series against Bangladesh. India is playing in this format for the first time since they defeated England 4-1 in March 2024. But Bangladesh, having just completed a historic sweeping of Pakistan, will be coming into India full of confidence.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to officially reveal the roster soon, and rumors indicate that the lineup will mainly remain the same as prior choices. Even if a few players are competing in the Duleep Trophy, their results there won’t probably have a big impact on the team selected for the Bangladesh series.
IND vs BAN: The Much-Anticipated Return of Kohli
One of the most eagerly awaited events in Indian cricket is Virat Kohli’s return to the Test team following an eight-month absence. Considered as one of the best batsters in the world, Kohli last participated in a Test match in January 2024; his absence has been much regretted by both supporters and the team itself. Particularly against a Bangladesh side that has showed recent resilience, Kohli’s presence in the middle order is expected to add steadiness and expertise. Known for his great passion, forceful leadership, and unrivaled bat skill.
India was able to continue playing well in Test cricket even without Kohli, but his return gives the team’s batting lineup a new depth. As India attempts to solidify its place in the World Test Championship standings, his ability to manage pressure situations, anchor the innings, and control the pace of the game will be critical. The team should have more vigor with Kohli’s comeback, as the former skipper is eager to establish himself after a prolonged absence from the longest version of the game.
IND vs BAN: Untapped Talents Ready to Take Off
After making their Test debuts earlier this year, rising stars in Indian cricket Sarfaraz Khan and Devdutt Padikkal have swiftly established themselves as essential members of the team. Sarfaraz, who is well-known for his outstanding domestic performances—particularly in the Ranji Trophy—has given India’s middle order a new dimension. Fans and selectors alike have been pleased by his aggressive yet controlled style of play and ability to adapt to difficult circumstances. Sarfaraz’s transition into the Test arena has been seamless after he demonstrated his mettle at the domestic level. It appears quite likely that he would be included in the playing XI for the forthcoming series against Bangladesh. He is a great asset because of his relentless pursuit of runs and steady play, particularly since India wants to continue to rule Test cricket.
IND vs BAN: Turn Everybody Around at the Front
The spin-bowling all-rounders from India, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Ravichandran Ashwin, are an immense advantage, particularly when playing at home where spin is a major factor. With his extensive knowledge and superb command of his variations, Ravichandran Ashwin is still one of the most lethal bowlers on turning surfaces. His ability to end partnerships is a key component of India’s bowling assault, especially on grounds with a tinge of spin. Additionally, Ashwin’s versatility gives India’s lower order depth and enables him to provide significant runs when required.
Ashwin is ideally matched with Ravindra Jadeja, who is renowned for his precision and consistency. Because teams frequently rely significantly on their spinners in subcontinental conditions, his left-arm spin offers variation. The key to India’s recent success has been Jadeja’s ability to bowl long, economical spells while keeping the opposition under strain. He is a complete player thanks to his athleticism and superb fielding abilities, and his bat skills provide the club even more balance. Because of Jadeja’s all-around skills, India can play an extra specialist bowler or batsman, which adds flexibility to the team’s lineup.
IND vs BAN: Pants Ready for Test Reply
Rishabh Pant is expected to make his return to Test cricket after being sidelined for 634 days due to a severe car accident. His recovery has been closely followed, and his return will add firepower to the squad. Young wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel is also likely to be named in the squad, potentially replacing Srikar Bharat, who was previously the first-choice wicketkeeper.
IND vs BAN: Pace Attack Overhaul
With Jasprit Bumrah likely to be rested for this series, Mohammed Siraj is set to lead India’s pace attack. Kuldeep Yadav is expected to retain his place as a spin option. The competition for the final pace spot could be between Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh, the latter possibly making his Test debut. Although there were initial rumors of Mohammed Shami’s return, it now seems likely that his comeback will happen during the New Zealand series instead.
Expected Squad for Bangladesh Series:
Openers: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal
Middle-order: Shubman Gill (Vice-captain), Virat Kohli, Sarfaraz Khan, Devdutt Padikkal
All-rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, R Ashwin
Wicketkeepers: Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel
Bowlers: Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep/Arshdeep Singh