As we wrap up the first round of the 2024 Duleep Trophy, all eyes shift to the highly anticipated India vs Bangladesh Test series. India’s Test squad for this 2-match series, starting on September 12 in Chennai, hasn’t been announced yet. InsideSport previously reported that the selectors would name the team after the first two Duleep Trophy matches in Anantapur and Bengaluru. With only a couple of spots left in the 15-man squad, the selectors have been closely observing the probables’ performances.
Who’s Already in?
Out of the 44 players in action during the India A vs B and India C vs D games, five spots in the squad are all but confirmed (barring any fitness issues). The rested heavyweights—Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Mohammed Siraj—are shoe-ins for the squad. So, who’s competing for the remaining 10 slots?
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, India’s No. 2 and 3 from their last Test series against England, didn’t have standout performances. They scored a combined 95 runs across four innings. But don’t worry—Jaiswal’s sheer talent as an opener makes him a guaranteed pick, and Shubman’s recent form at No. 3 solidifies his place.
KL Rahul’s Star Shines
Sarfaraz Khan had an underwhelming first innings but bounced back with a solid 46 in the second. Despite stiff competition, his exceptional batting against spin should secure him a spot. KL Rahul, after missing India’s last four Tests, returned with a bang, top-scoring in both innings for India B, silencing any doubts about his place.
However, Rajat Patidar, despite his 57-run knock in India C vs D, likely won’t make the cut due to the intense competition. Devdutt Padikkal also falls out of contention, as Sarfaraz and KL Rahul are set to play ahead of him.
Pant Returns in Style
Rishabh Pant is back after 20 months and made an immediate impact, scoring a stylish 61. This spells trouble for KS Bharat, who will lose his spot to Pant. Dhruv Jurel, despite scoring only 2 runs, remains a better option than Bharat. Ishan Kishan, who didn’t feature in the tournament, isn’t in the running for this series.
Spinners in Action
While Kuldeep Yadav didn’t have a standout performance, his place in the squad is secure. Axar Patel, who impressed with both bat and ball, will join Kuldeep, Ashwin, and Jadeja as India’s spin quartet. Washington Sundar and R Sai Kishore didn’t do enough to break into the squad, and Saurabh Kumar, who received a call-up earlier in the year, wasn’t in action.
Fast Bowling Battle
Among the pacers, Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar impressed and are expected to return to the squad after their last Test appearances. Arshdeep Singh didn’t make a strong case for himself, while Harshit Rana had a decent showing but remains on the fringes. Surprisingly, Yash Dayal, who wasn’t initially in the reckoning, outshone Arshdeep and could secure a spot, thanks to his central contract with the BCCI.
Probable India Squad for Bangladesh Tests
Rohit Sharma (c), Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (wk), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Mukesh Kumar.
