Team India’s squad for the first Test against Bangladesh came out two days ago. The BCCI selection committee has picked this team for the upcoming Test match, which starts on September 19 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
The conditions in Chennai generally help the spinners, which is why it is not a surprise to see the likes of Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel in the Indian squad. However, there are three such players who surprisingly got a place in the squad for the first Test against Bangladesh. Here’s a list of the three names.
1. Yash Dayal received maiden Test call-up for 1st match against Bangladesh
In late 2022, Yash Dayal earned his maiden call-up to the Indian squad for the ODI series against Bangladesh. However, the left-arm pacer got injured and then the selectors never picked him again in the 50-over format.
Almost two years later, Dayal has returned to the Indian squad, this time in the Test set-up. The left-arm pacer has earned a place in the squad. However, he might not make it to the playing XI because the conditions in Chennai help the spinners.
2. Jasprit Bumrah
Considering that India will play Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2024/25, followed by the ICC Champions Trophy and then IPL, Jasprit Bumrah deserved some rest. He is the best bowler in India right now. Naming him in the squad for a Test which will happen in Chennai against a lower-ranked side like Bangladesh does not make much sense.
3. KL Rahul
Devdutt Padikkal made his Test debut against a high-profile England team earlier this year. He scored a fine half-century. Even though Padikkal brings the left-handed dimension to India’s middle-order, the selectors have overlooked him for KL Rahul. Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel are already present as wicketkeepers. Thus, Padikkal could have received a spot instead of Rahul.
