BCCI reveals 16 members India squad for first Test against Bangladesh with three major surprises

The BCCI has officially revealed the India squad for the first Test of the IDFC FIRST Bank Test series against Bangladesh, scheduled to start on September 19. The announcement brings several big surprises, including Rishabh Pant’s much-anticipated return to the Test side after nearly 20 months, making this selection a topic of discussion across the cricketing world.

Rishabh Pant Makes a Triumphant Return

One of the standout stories from the BCCI squad announcement is the return of wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant to India’s Test team. Pant, who suffered a horrific road accident on December 30, 2022, has been out of Test cricket since then. His return to the national Test team marks the end of a lengthy recovery, and his presence in the lineup is a significant boost. Pant last featured in a Test series against Bangladesh in December 2022, but his road accident sidelined him until his return during the IPL earlier this year. Following his successful stint in the T20 World Cup, Pant is now back to wearing the whites for India, much to the delight of fans and teammates.

Virat Kohli Returns to the Test Arena

Another notable name in the India squad for the first Test against Bangladesh is Virat Kohli. Kohli had missed the previous five-Test series against England but is now set to make his Test comeback. His return is highly anticipated as his experience and skill will be pivotal for India in this series. Kohli’s form has been under the spotlight, and his inclusion in the India squad for the Bangladesh Test is a positive development for the team as they look to maintain their dominance in the longer format of the game.

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Mohammed Shami Misses Out as Yash Dayal Earns Maiden Call-up

The biggest surprise in the squad announcement was the absence of Mohammed Shami. Despite initial expectations set by the chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar, Shami will not be part of the India squad for the first Test against Bangladesh. Shami was aiming to make a return but did not make the final cut, a decision that has raised eyebrows among cricket pundits.

However, the BCCI has made a bold move by including Yash Dayal, the left-arm seamer, who has received his maiden Test call-up. Dayal’s inclusion in the India squad for the Bangladesh Test series offers him an opportunity to prove himself in the longer format, adding depth to India’s pace bowling attack.

India vs Bangladesh Test Series: A Critical Contest

The first of the two-Test series between India and Bangladesh will be held in Chennai, starting on September 19, followed by the second Test in Kanpur at Green Park Stadium from September 27 to October 1. The two sides have a history of 13 Test encounters, with India winning 11 matches and two ending in draws.

This series carries special significance as Bangladesh enters with renewed confidence following their 2-0 series win against Pakistan on home soil. In contrast, India’s last Test series saw them dominate England with a 4-1 series victory. With both teams coming off successful campaigns, the upcoming India-Bangladesh Test series promises to be a thrilling encounter as both teams seek to solidify their recent performances.

India Squad for First Test Against Bangladesh

Here’s a look at the full India squad for the first Test against Bangladesh:

• Rohit Sharma (c)
• Yashasvi Jaiswal
• Shubman Gill
• Virat Kohli
• KL Rahul
• Sarfaraz Khan
• Rishabh Pant (wk)
• Dhruv Jurel (wk)
• Ravichandran Ashwin
• Ravindra Jadeja
• Axar Patel
• Kuldeep Yadav
• Mohammed Siraj
• Akash Deep
• Jasprit Bumrah
• Yash Dayal

The selection of this squad by the BCCI underscores a balance between experience and young talent. While the return of stars like Rishabh Pant and Virat Kohli will undoubtedly boost India’s confidence, the addition of new faces such as Yash Dayal marks a forward-thinking approach by the selectors.

Bangladesh Test Series: A Strategic Showdown

As India prepares to face Bangladesh in this highly anticipated Test series, the focus will be on strategic form and consistency. The Indian squad, now revealed by the BCCI, is set to face a confident Bangladesh side in what promises to be a keenly contested series. For both teams, this series is crucial for building momentum as they continue their journey in the World Test Championship.

Conclusion: BCCI’s Surprising Squad Announcement

The BCCI’s squad announcement for the first Test against Bangladesh has sparked excitement and anticipation among fans. With three major surprises, including the return of Rishabh Pant, Virat Kohli’s re-entry into Test cricket, and the debut of Yash Dayal, the stage is set for an intense and thrilling Test series. Both India and Bangladesh are ready to face off in a contest that will be closely watched and hotly debated.