Rishabh Pant makes a comeback to the Indian Test Squad
Rishabh Pant makes come back in the team with a mix of excitement and anticipation. With the same excitement, the much-awaited announcement of India’s Test squad to play the series against Bangladesh is made. The talented wicketkeeper-batsman, out of action since December 2022 following the tragic car accident he was involved in, is once again back into the fold. His inclusion brings much-needed strength in the middle order of the Indian side. India will be playing their first match in Chennai against Bangladesh on September 19.
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Rishabh Pant: An Inspirational Comeback
Rishabh Pant’s inspirational journey into the Test side has been no less than a fairytale. The left-handed batsman, after months of rehabilitation, showed grit and determination to make it back into the side. During the Duleep Trophy, Pant showed that he was ready for the challenge. He scored a compact 61 runs in the second innings for India B and seven catches behind the stumps. For India, who want to take the series by storm, Pant’s balancing act between aggression and calculated play will be handy.
Mohammed Shami’s Surprising Exclusion
Not all news regarding the squad was about comebacks. Mohammed Shami, a regular in India’s pace battery, is a surprising exclusion. He is still recovering from ankle surgery. The absence of this paceman creates a huge void. But India’s pace armory remains deadly, with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj expected to lead the attack.
Yash Dayal’s First Test Call-Up
Yash Dayal is the fresh face in India’s Test squad, earning his first call-up thanks to his impressive performance in the Duleep Trophy. The left-arm fast bowler took crucial wickets in the final innings, securing his spot. With his ability to swing the ball, Dayal offers India a valuable asset, especially as they prepare for a challenging series against Australia later this year.
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KL Rahul’s Return Amid Injury Struggles
KL Rahul returns after battling injuries and inconsistent form. His performance in the Duleep Trophy, where he scored 37 and 57, respectively, confirms his place within this team. Rahul’s flexibility, whether opening or batting at the middle order, gives India several options with regards to players like Patidar and Bharat who are absent from this roster.
India’s Strong Spin Department
The spin department is strong with the tried and tested quartet of R. Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav. The experience will come in handy against Bangladesh, especially on turning tracks.
This series is going to be a hot one, not just with experienced batsmen but fresh talent, too. India, too, will look at getting off to a flying start in the Test series as they face Bangladesh first at Chennai, followed by Kanpur.
