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The Indian cricket team has announced its squad for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, marking the return of key players Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul. Pant's comeback is highly anticipated after his recovery from a car accident in December 2022, while Rahul rejoins the team after being ruled out of the England series due to injury. The selection also features a maiden Test call-up for left-arm seamer Yash Dayal, highlighting his impressive performance in recent domestic matches.
Dayal's inclusion signals India's focus on building a strong bowling attack, particularly with an eye on the upcoming five-Test series in Australia. His impressive wicket-taking abilities, evidenced by his 76 wickets in 24 first-class matches, have earned him a place in the national squad. Another notable inclusion is Akash Deep, who retains his position after making his Test debut during the England series. Akash's consistent performance, including his impressive nine-wicket haul in the Duleep Trophy, solidified his place in the team.
The squad comprises a blend of experienced and emerging talent, with seasoned players like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj expected to spearhead the pace attack. The spin department features familiar faces like R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav. The team also includes Dhrv Jurel, who made his Test debut against England and is the second wicket-keeper in the squad, alongside Pant. Notably absent from the squad are Rajat Patidar, KS Bharat, Devdutt Padikkal, Washington Sundar, and Mukesh Kumar, who were part of the England series.
The first Test against Bangladesh is scheduled to commence in Chennai on September 19, followed by the second Test in Kanpur on September 27. These two Tests will be followed by a three-match T20I series. The Indian team will be looking to build momentum and prepare for the crucial series in Australia later this year, with the return of key players like Pant and Rahul bolstering their chances of success. The emergence of promising talents like Dayal also adds a fresh dimension to the squad, creating an exciting blend of experience and potential.
Source: Pant, Rahul return to Test cricket with Bangladesh series; maiden call-up for Dayal