The Indian cricket team is getting ready to play again after a ninety-nine-day break as they get ready to play two Test matches against Bangladesh beginning on September 19. With ten Test matches scheduled for the remainder of the year, this series ushers in a hectic time for the team. India’s hopes of qualifying for the World Test Championship 2025 final for the third time in a row will depend on these games. But for this crucial series, the squad may be missing KL Rahul, one of its main performers.
KL Rahul’s Likely Exclusion
According to a report by SportsTak, KL Rahul is unlikely to be included in the squad for the Bangladesh series.The decision to exclude Rahul, a mainstay in India’s Test team, from this series has provoked debate among cricket enthusiasts and analysts. His recent form and the selectors’ intention to experiment with different lineups ahead of the World Test Championship final may have contributed to his exclusion.
The performances in the first round of the Duleep Trophy 2024 are not expected to have any bearing on the selection of the India team for the Test series against Bangladesh, according to a source close to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Rishabh Pant’s Return
It is anticipated that Rishabh Pant, who hasn’t played a Test since December 2022, would rejoin the team following a 634-day hiatus. The team has missed Pant’s powerful batting and vital wicketkeeping abilities, so his return to the Test system will be closely monitored. His addition is probably going to provide India’s middle order more depth and fortify the batting order.
Dhruv Jurel, who made an excellent impression in his debut series against England, is anticipated to be picked as the series’ backup wicketkeeper-batter in addition to Pant. The fact that Jurel was chosen shows how confident the selectors were in his potential as a young talent.
Impact of Duleep Trophy Performances
Selection for the Bangladesh Test series would not be greatly influenced by results in the current Duleep Trophy 2024, according to a source close to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). This choice implies that the selectors are trying to reward players who have done well in previous international matches while also keeping the roster consistent.
Other Key Inclusions and Exclusions
It is anticipated that Sarfaraz Khan, who made a spectacular debut against England earlier this year, will stay in the starting lineup. He’s won a berth on the team thanks to his steady play, and he’ll be motivated to carry on winning in the next series.
Given the hectic schedule that lies ahead, Jasprit Bumrah is probably going to be rested when it comes to bowling. The series’ top pacers are predicted to be Mohammed Siraj and Mukesh Kumar, with Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh set to fight for the third slot. Both have demonstrated potential in white-ball cricket, and having them both would diversify the pace attack.
India’s Likely Squad for the Bangladesh Test Series
The Indian team for the Bangladesh series is expected to include the following players:
- Rohit Sharma (Captain)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Sarfaraz Khan
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Axar Patel
- R Ashwin
- Rishabh Pant (wk)
- Dhruv Jurel (wk)
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Mohammed Siraj
- Mukesh Kumar
- Akash Deep/Arshdeep Singh
As they get ready for the series against Bangladesh, the Indian Test team has undergone major changes with the inclusion of Rishabh Pant and the withdrawal of KL Rahul. In order to maintain the team’s competitiveness as they strive to qualify for the World Test Championship final, the selectors made these choices in accordance with a strategy that strikes a balance between experience and new talent. The team’s depth and versatility will be put to the test in the forthcoming series, paving the way for an exciting time in Indian cricket history.