Rishabh Pant has made his much-anticipated return to the Test squad for the first time since his life-threatening car accident in December 2022. The 26-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman will feature in India’s squad for the two-match home Test series against Bangladesh, which kicks off on September 19 in Chennai.
Pant’s return comes after a remarkable rehabilitation and comeback journey. He showed his form in the IPL, scoring 446 runs in 13 matches, before playing a pivotal role in India’s successful T20 World Cup campaign. Pant then turned out in an ODI series against Sri Lanka and participated in the Duleep Trophy opener, proving his fitness and readiness for red-ball cricket once again. His last Test appearance was just before his accident, making his return all the more emotional for fans and teammates.
Joining Pant in the squad is Dhruv Jurel, another wicketkeeper, who has impressed in domestic cricket. This gives India a strong depth in the wicketkeeping department. The Indian squad, led by Rohit Sharma, also includes a host of familiar faces, with Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli forming a formidable top order.
KL Rahul returns to the middle order after recovering from a quadriceps injury that sidelined him for most of India’s recent five-Test series against England.
The squad also sees the continued inclusion of Sarfaraz Khan, who impressed in his debut series against England, scoring three half-centuries in six innings. Sarfaraz’s consistent performances in domestic cricket earned him a spot, and he will be keen to further cement his place in the middle order.
In the pace department, Bengal’s Akash Deep has been selected as the third seamer, joining up with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. Akash, who made his Test debut earlier this year against England, earned his place after a strong showing for India A in the Duleep Trophy, where he claimed nine wickets, including a five-wicket haul. His inclusion marks another opportunity for the young pacer to prove his mettle at the international level.
Uncapped left-arm fast bowler Yash Dayal is another notable name in the squad, while Mukesh Kumar, despite having three Test caps, misses out this time.
The Indian spin attack remains formidable, with veterans R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav all making the squad. With the series being played in spin-friendly conditions in Chennai and Kanpur, the inclusion of this strong quartet is expected to give India a strategic edge against Bangladesh.
India’s selection for the Bangladesh series also saw some notable omissions. Mukesh Kumar, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, and KS Bharat—who all featured in the England series—miss out this time around. Bharat’s exclusion, in particular, highlights the stiff competition in the wicketkeeping department, as Pant’s return has pushed him out of the squad.
India’s two-match Test series against Bangladesh holds significance as it marks the return of Test cricket to Indian soil for the new season. After the opener in Chennai, the second fixture will be played in Kanpur from September 27. The two teams will then compete in a three-match T20I series between October 6 and 12, further intensifying the contest.
Pant’s return adds excitement to the series, with fans eager to see if he can replicate the same form and flair that made him one of India’s most dynamic players before his accident. His last Test century came against South Africa in January 2022, and with his explosive batting and impressive wicketkeeping, Pant’s presence could be a game-changer for India.
As India gears up for the series, captain Rohit Sharma will look to his experienced players and emerging talents to ensure a strong start to the home season. Bangladesh, meanwhile, will have their work cut out for them against a full-strength Indian side eager to assert dominance on home soil.
India Squad for First Test Against Bangladesh:
Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah, Yash Dayal.
