Indian Cricket – As the Indian cricket team gears up to host Bangladesh for a two-match Test series starting on September 19, 2024, the anticipation is building for another dominant home performance. Following the Test series, India will engage in three T20Is with Bangladesh before welcoming New Zealand for a three-Test series.
India’s Test record at home is formidable, having not lost a series on home soil since 2013. Earlier this year, they demonstrated their prowess by overcoming England 4-1 in a Test series, despite dropping the opening match. Although Bangladesh has a few skilled spinners in their ranks, they are expected to face a daunting challenge against the robust Indian side.
In this article, we predict the 16 players likely to be selected for the two Tests against Bangladesh.
Indian Cricket Team’s Predicted 16-Man Squad for Bangladesh Tests:
Rohit Sharma (C)
As the captain, Rohit Sharma is set to continue leading the team. This year, he has been in exceptional form across all formats. In the Test series against England, he amassed 400 runs at an average of 44, including two centuries.
Yashasvi Jaiswal
Yashasvi Jaiswal made a significant impact against England, scoring 712 runs at an average of 89. His performance included two double centuries and three half-centuries. Expectations are high for him to continue this form against Bangladesh.
Shubman Gill
With Cheteshwar Pujara dropped, Shubman Gill seized his opportunity at number three. He scored 452 runs at an average of 56 against England, featuring two centuries and two fifties. Gill is expected to retain the number three position.
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli missed the series against England due to the birth of his second child. His absence saw four different batters trying out the number four position. Kohli is likely to resume his usual spot unless head coach Gautam Gambhir has other plans.
KL Rahul
After playing the first Test against England and scoring 108 runs, KL Rahul was sidelined due to injury. He had previously hit a superb century in Centurion. Rahul is anticipated to occupy the number five spot.
Rishabh Pant (wk)
Following his return to the T20I and ODI formats after a car accident, Rishabh Pant is set to make a comeback in Test cricket. While Dhruv Jurel impressed against England, Pant is likely to be the first-choice wicket-keeper against Bangladesh, with a home Test batting average of 63.
Dhruv Jurel (wk)
If the selectors opt for a backup wicket-keeper, Dhruv Jurel is the probable choice. He averaged 63 in four Tests against England and contributed with a couple of match-winning innings.
Sarfaraz Khan
Sarfaraz Khan from Mumbai made a strong debut in Test cricket, hitting three fifties in five innings. His aggressive approach against the England bowlers, with a strike rate of 79, might earn him a spot in the playing XI.
Ravindra Jadeja
After being rested for the Sri Lanka tour, Ravindra Jadeja will return refreshed after a break of over two months. He has a home Test average of 39 with the bat and 20 with the ball, making him a vital asset against Bangladesh.
Ravichandran Ashwin
One of India’s greatest match-winners in Test cricket, Ravichandran Ashwin completed 100 Tests during the England series. He has taken 516 wickets and is India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Tests, averaging 21 with the ball in India.
Axar Patel
Axar Patel has started his Test career impressively, with an average of 35 with the bat and 19 with the ball in 14 Tests. He will be in contention with Kuldeep Yadav for the third spinner’s spot.
Washington Sundar
Washington Sundar’s strong performances in white-ball games during the Sri Lanka tour might earn him a spot in the Test squad. However, he is unlikely to feature in the playing XI. He has played four Tests, all in 2021.
Kuldeep Yadav
Kuldeep Yadav was a standout performer against England, taking 19 wickets in four Tests at an average of 19. His ability to win matches with the ball makes him a likely inclusion in the playing XI.
Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah is a key player in all formats for India. He was instrumental in India’s 4-1 series win against England, picking up 19 wickets at an average of 16.
Mohammed Shami
Mohammed Shami, recovering from an ankle injury, is nearing the end of his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy. He is expected to play in the Duleep Trophy to prove his fitness ahead of the Bangladesh series.
Mohammed Siraj
Despite a dip in white-ball form, Mohammed Siraj remains a potent force in red-ball cricket. He will complete India’s formidable bowling lineup for the Test series against Bangladesh.