India is set to return to Test cricket after a six-month break, under the guidance of new coach Gautam Gambhir . Their goal will be to solidify their position at the top of the 2025 World Test Championship standings as they face Bangladesh in a two-match series starting September 19 in Chennai. This series marks India’s first Test outing since their dominant 4-1 victory over England in March 2024.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, arrives with momentum, having recently completed a historic clean sweep against Pakistan.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to announce the squad next week. Reports suggest that the lineup will largely remain unchanged, with the performances in the Duleep Trophy's initial rounds unlikely to significantly impact the selection. Many of India’s first-choice and fringe players will be participating in the tournament, but the squad for the Bangladesh series is expected to be consistent with previous selections.
Kohli's Anticipated Return
Virat Kohli is set to rejoin the Test squad after an eight-month absence, with his last appearance in January 2024. Rohit Sharma will continue to captain the side, with Yashasvi Jaiswal likely to retain his spot as an opener. Shubman Gill is expected to be promoted to vice-captain and will resume his role at No. 3, with Kohli following him in the batting order.
Young Talent Holding Their Ground
Sarfaraz Khan and Devdutt Padikkal , India’s newest Test players, are expected to keep their places in both the squad and the playing XI. Rajat Patidar, who struggled during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and missed the final Test due to injury, might not make the cut for this series.
Spin All-Rounders in Focus
India’s trusted spin-bowling all-rounders—Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel—are likely to play pivotal roles in the series. Their selection in the playing XI seems almost guaranteed, given their track record in Indian conditions.
Pant's Long-Awaited Test Return
Rishabh Pant is poised to make a return to Test cricket after a 634-day hiatus, following his recovery from a severe accident. Young wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel is also expected to be included in the squad, while Srikar Bharat, who was previously the first-choice wicketkeeper, might miss out.
Pace Attack Adjustments
With Jasprit Bumrah likely to be rested for this series, Mohammed Siraj is expected to spearhead India’s pace attack. Kuldeep Yadav should retain his place in the squad, offering a spin option alongside the all-rounders. The final spot in the pace lineup might see competition between Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh, with the latter on the brink of a Test debut. Although there were earlier speculations about Mohammed Shami’s return for this series, it appears he may only make a comeback during the New Zealand series.
Projected Squad for the Bangladesh Series:
Openers: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal
Middle-order: Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Sarfaraz Khan, Devdutt Padikkal
All-rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, R Ashwin
Wicketkeepers: Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel
Bowlers: Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep/Arshdeep Singh
Bangladesh, on the other hand, arrives with momentum, having recently completed a historic clean sweep against Pakistan.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to announce the squad next week. Reports suggest that the lineup will largely remain unchanged, with the performances in the Duleep Trophy's initial rounds unlikely to significantly impact the selection. Many of India’s first-choice and fringe players will be participating in the tournament, but the squad for the Bangladesh series is expected to be consistent with previous selections.
Kohli's Anticipated Return
Virat Kohli is set to rejoin the Test squad after an eight-month absence, with his last appearance in January 2024. Rohit Sharma will continue to captain the side, with Yashasvi Jaiswal likely to retain his spot as an opener. Shubman Gill is expected to be promoted to vice-captain and will resume his role at No. 3, with Kohli following him in the batting order.
Young Talent Holding Their Ground
Sarfaraz Khan and Devdutt Padikkal , India’s newest Test players, are expected to keep their places in both the squad and the playing XI. Rajat Patidar, who struggled during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and missed the final Test due to injury, might not make the cut for this series.
Spin All-Rounders in Focus
India’s trusted spin-bowling all-rounders—Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel—are likely to play pivotal roles in the series. Their selection in the playing XI seems almost guaranteed, given their track record in Indian conditions.
Pant's Long-Awaited Test Return
Rishabh Pant is poised to make a return to Test cricket after a 634-day hiatus, following his recovery from a severe accident. Young wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel is also expected to be included in the squad, while Srikar Bharat, who was previously the first-choice wicketkeeper, might miss out.
Pace Attack Adjustments
With Jasprit Bumrah likely to be rested for this series, Mohammed Siraj is expected to spearhead India’s pace attack. Kuldeep Yadav should retain his place in the squad, offering a spin option alongside the all-rounders. The final spot in the pace lineup might see competition between Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh, with the latter on the brink of a Test debut. Although there were earlier speculations about Mohammed Shami’s return for this series, it appears he may only make a comeback during the New Zealand series.
Projected Squad for the Bangladesh Series:
Openers: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal
Middle-order: Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Sarfaraz Khan, Devdutt Padikkal
All-rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, R Ashwin
Wicketkeepers: Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel
Bowlers: Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep/Arshdeep Singh
