The much-anticipated Rishabh Pant KL Rahul return is finally here! After a difficult 21-month recovery from a car accident, Rishabh Pant has made his way back into India’s Test squad. He’s set to play in the upcoming series against Bangladesh, starting on September 19 in Chennai. But the team management will need to be cautious with Pant’s workload across the five home Tests against Bangladesh and New Zealand. Speculations are already swirling about how Pant’s role will evolve. Will he be India’s regular wicketkeeper, or will the job go to Dhruv Jurel, who impressed during the England series? The selectors have wisely left the decision to captain Rohit Sharma and coach Gautam Gambhir.
Not just Pant, but fans are also excited for the KL Rahul return, as India announces a full-strength squad. With left-arm seamer Yash Dayal as the only new face, there are no major surprises. However, Rajat Patidar, Devdutt Padikkal, KS Bharat, and Mukesh Kumar have been left out. The spin department remains strong with R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel rounding out the team.
As India looks ahead to 10 crucial Tests over the next few months, a four-day preparatory camp is scheduled for September 12 in Chennai. While the KL Rahul return and Pant’s inclusion are big news, Virat Kohli’s participation in the camp is still up in the air.
Call on Pant
The return of Rishabh Pant comes with questions—mainly about his fitness and ability to handle the intense workload. He’s only played one long-format match since his return, and the selectors are being cautious. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj will also be closely monitored, ensuring they stay fresh for the upcoming Australia series. If needed, Pant may focus on batting, while Dhruv Jurel steps in for wicketkeeping.
This series is not just about the short term. If India wins all five home Tests, they will only need a draw against Australia to qualify for the World Test Championship final. With all eyes on the KL Rahul return, the focus is on how India will manage both new and returning players during this crucial period.
🚨 NEWS 🚨- Team India's squad for the 1st Test of the IDFC FIRST Bank Test series against Bangladesh announced.
Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), R Ashwin, R Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep… pic.twitter.com/pQn7Ll7k3X
— BCCI (@BCCI) September 8, 2024
Packed Middle Order
With KL Rahul’s return and Virat Kohli’s re-entry into the lineup, India’s middle order is back to full strength. Youngsters like Sarfaraz Khan hold onto their spots, but the competition is fierce. Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shubman Gill will lead from the top, supported by the experienced spinners Ashwin and Jadeja.
As for the pace attack, Bumrah and Siraj will rotate to stay fresh, and young talent Akash Deep could play a key role in India’s bowling plans.
