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India Test Squad vs Bangladesh: Amid the speculation about Jasprit Bumrah potentially being rested for the two-Test series against Bangladesh, the star pacer has unexpectedly been included in the squad for the first Test. Rishabh Pant, making his return to Test cricket after a 20-month absence, also features in the 16-man squad announced on Sunday. While the inclusion of these high-profile players is notable, the absence of a designated vice-captain has stirred discussion.
In India previous Test series against England, Jasprit Bumrah served as the vice-captain. the Bangladesh series, the selection committee opted not to appoint a vice-captain, leaving fans puzzled about the change. Bumrah, along with KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant and Virat Kohli, is considered a key leader in the team. Kohli has expressed a preference to avoid an official leadership role, while Rahul and Pant are viewed as potential long-term captains for India in Test cricket. Despite this, none of them has been given the vice-captaincy for this series.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not provided an explanation for the decision. Questions about the rationale behind not naming a vice-captain are expected to be addressed by India captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir at their press conference before the series begins.
India Squad For First Bangladesh Test
Virat Kohli is back in the Test squad after missing the five-Test series against England earlier this year due to a break for the birth of his second child. Mohammed Shami, who was anticipated to return, is still on the comeback trail and was not included in the squad. In contrast, uncapped left-arm fast bowler Yash Dayal from Uttar Pradesh has received his maiden Test call-up.
Rishabh Pant, who had his return to cricket delayed by a serious road accident on December 30, 2022, after playing in the second Test against Bangladesh at Mirpur, made his comeback during the IPL season this year. His return to the Test squad is a significant boost for the team. Despite expectations from chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar that Shami would be ready for the first Test against Bangladesh, the right-arm seamer did not make the cut. Dayal, who once faced five consecutive sixes from Rinku Singh in an IPL match, has made a notable comeback with his selection for the Test squad.
KL Rahul, recovering from a right quadriceps injury sustained after the first Test against England in Hyderabad, is back in the squad. He showcased his form with scores of 37 and a determined 57 for India A in the Duleep Trophy match against India B in Bengaluru.
Wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel, who impressed with crucial innings of 90 and 39 not out in the Ranchi Test against England, has retained his place. Meanwhile, right-arm Bengal pacer Akash Deep. who made his Test debut in Ranchi with a notable three-wicket spell, took nine wickets in his recent Duleep Trophy performance, further solidifying his spot in the squad.
India squad for 1st Test vs 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.
KL Rahul To Play Ahead Of Sarfaraz Khan In 1st Test Against Bangladesh
KL Rahul is set to play for India in the first Test against Bangladesh, scheduled to begin on September 19 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. According to PTI, the 32-year-old right-handed batter, who captained India in their last Test series against Bangladesh in December 2022, is expected to be preferred over Sarfaraz Khan for the No. 5 spot in the lineup for this two-match series.
Rahul, who made his Test debut against Australia in Melbourne on December 26, 2014, has accumulated 2,863 runs from 50 Test matches to date. In his most recent Test appearance against England at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, he scored 86 runs in the first innings.
A BCCI source highlighted Rahul recent form, stating, “For those outside the team, understanding how it operates and the systems in place can be challenging. In his last three Test matches, KL scored a century in South Africa and 86 at Hyderabad before his injury. He was not dropped but got injured. He is now fit, scored a fifty in the Duleep Trophy and is ready to start.
The team management and selection committee are focused on the upcoming tour of Australia in November-December and Rahul experience of 50 Tests makes him a valuable asset. The source added to Sarfaraz has done everything right and if an injury occurs. he will be ready to step in. Rahul experience is crucial, specially with the Australian tour in mind.
Similarly, in the case of wicketkeeper-batter, Rishabh Pant will take the field in the series opener against Bangladesh, as the team continues to prioritize experience and continuity in key roles.
Has Jasprit Bumrah been removed from India Test vice-Captaincy Role for the Bangladesh Test series?
The absence of a designated vice-captain in India squad for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh has sparked speculation about a potential change in leadership roles. The lack of explanation from the management has fueled these rumors, especially considering Shubman Gill was appointed as vice-captain for the white-ball series against Sri Lanka under new head coach Gautam Gambhir.
Jasprit Bumrah, who was rested for the Sri Lanka tour, is making his return to the Indian team for the first time since the T20 World Cup 2024 victory and Gambhir appointment. Hardik Pandya was removed from his T20I captaincy role, with Ajit Agarkar explaining that the decision was based on Pandya’s injury concerns. Agarkar noted, “We don’t want a situation where a captain is injured and we have to find a replacement. It’s challenging for the coach and selectors if this happens, as seen when Rohit stepped in during Hardik’s absence.
This logic could similarly apply to Bumrah in the Test format. Given the demanding Test schedule ahead, including the crucial five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy tour of Australia in November, Bumrah workload is being carefully managed. The management might prefer to rest him to avoid potential injuries, improve he is fully fit for the most critical series. Thus, the decision not to name a vice-captain could be part of a broader strategy to maintain player fitness and availability throughout a demanding cricket season.
Yash Dayal: From written off after Being Hit for Five Sixes to Maiden Test Call-up
Yash Dayal, whose name was recently associated with a challenging moment in the IPL when he was hit for five consecutive sixes, has received his maiden Test call-up for India’s upcoming match against Bangladesh. On Sunday night, Dayal first call was to his father, Chandarpal Dayal, who was thrilled with the news. It took me two years to get India call again. This is for a Test match, the format you love the most,” he told his father. In 2022, Dayal was selected for an ODI series against Bangladesh but missed out due to a lower back issue.
Dayal resilience has been notable. After the IPL incident where Kolkata Knight Riders Rinku Singh hit him for five successive sixes, he faced significant criticism and trolling. Despite the tough experience, his childhood coach, Amit Pal, believes it was a crucial learning moment. Pal draws parallels with other cricketers who faced similar challenges but emerged stronger, citing examples like Yuvraj Singh and Stuart Broad. That over made me face the realities of life,” Dayal reflected. He took Ashish Nehra advice to heart. What happened has happened; focus on what is ahead.
Despite being written off by many, Dayal hard work and perseverance have paid off. His father, Chandarpal, who has since stopped engaging with social media, is proud of his son achievements. From the morning, I’ve received numerous congratulatory messages. Few recognize the hard work and pressure Yash endured,” he said.
There was a competitive selection process for the left-arm seamer spot in the squad, with Dayal, Arshdeep Singh and Khaleel Ahmed in contention. According to a BCCI official, Dayal experience and consistency in first-class cricket, coupled with his strong performances in the Duleep Trophy, gave him the edge. Sunil Joshi, Uttar Pradesh Ranji Trophy coach, praised Dayal performance, suggesting he could be a key player for the Australian tour as well.
In Allahabad, Dayal father, who also played as a fast bowler in the Vizzy Trophy, commended his son growth and his aggressive approach to bowling.
