Rishabh Pant returns, uncapped pacer called up as India name squad for first Bangladesh Test
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a strong 16-member squad for the upcoming Test match against Bangladesh in Chennai. Notably, Rishabh Pant returns to the Test team for the first time since December 2022, joining incumbent wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel and KL Rahul, who has also kept wickets previously.
The squad, led by Rohit Sharma, boasts a formidable batting lineup, including Virat Kohli, Sarfaraz Khan, and KL Rahul in the middle order. Shreyas Iyer misses out, while Shubman Gill is likely to continue at number three.
India's spin department appears robust, comprising Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel. The pace attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah, includes Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, and uncapped left-arm quick Yash Dayal, who adds variation to the department.
The Chennai Test marks the beginning of the ICC World Test Championship series, with the second Test scheduled to take place in Kanpur.
India’s squad for the 1st Test of the Bangladesh Test series:
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.
