India announce 16-member squad for first test against Bangladesh

NEW DELHI: India has named a 16-member squad for the upcoming Test against Bangladesh in Chennai, marking the return of wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant to the Test fold for the first time since 2023. Pant’s inclusion adds significant strength to the lineup, as the team prepares for a crucial match later this month.

The squad will be led by Rohit Sharma, with the addition of uncapped left-arm quick Yash Dayal, who brings a fresh variation to India’s pace attack. The spin department remains formidable, featuring Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel, offering a variety of options on the turning Chennai pitch.

Dhruv Jurel, the incumbent wicketkeeper, retains his spot, alongside KL Rahul, who has also previously taken on wicketkeeping duties. The middle-order consists of experienced campaigners like Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Sarfaraz Khan, with Shreyas Iyer notably missing out.

Jasprit Bumrah will spearhead the pace attack, joined by Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep, the latter having impressed during the recent home series against England.

India’s squad: 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.