India will be back playing in whites after six months and under new coach Gautam Gambhir, will be aiming to get the ball rolling to strengthen their hold at the top of the 2025 World Test Championship table when they take on Bangladesh in the two-match Test series starting September 19 in Chennai. The series will mark India’s first red-ball outing since their impressive 4-1 series win against England in March 2024. Meanwhile, Bangladesh enters the contest on a high note, having recently clean-swept Pakistan in a historic series win.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to announce the Indian squad next week and as per reports that there will not be any significant changes in the lineup and performances in the first round of the Duleep Trophy – in which most of the first choice and fringe Indian players will be participating – are unlikely to heavily influence the team selection for this series.
Virat Kohli Comeback
Virat Kohli is set to make a much-awaited return to the Test squad after an eight-month hiatus. His last appearance in the longest format was in January 2024. Rohit Sharma will continue to lead the side, with Yashasvi Jaiswal expected to retain his position as the opening partner, forming a solid opening pair for India. Shubman Gill could very well be elevated to vice-captain role and will be back at his No.3 spot followed by Virat Kohli.
Sarfaraz Khan, Devdutt Padikkal to Retain Places?
India’s latest Test debutants Sarfaraz Khan and Devdutt Padikkal are likely to retain their places in the squad and even the playing XI, meaning Rajat Patidar, who had a below-average Border Gavaskar Trophy and was sidelined due to an injury ahead of the final Test could miss out on selection.
All-Rounders and Spin Trio
India’s reliable spin-bowling all-rounders—Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel—are expected to be key players in the squad. Their inclusion in the playing XI is almost certain, given their consistent performances in home conditions.
Rishabh Pant to Paly Test after 634 Days
Rishabh Pant is likely to make his comeback to the Test team, marking his return to the longest format after 634 days. Pant’s return follows a long recovery from a severe accident. Alongside him, young wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel is also expected to be part of the squad. Srikar Bharat, who was India’s first-choice wicketkeeper vs England before Dhruv Jurel pipped the Andhra stumper, could also miss out on selection.
Pace Attack – No Bumrah, Shami?
With Jasprit Bumrah likely to be rested for this series, Mohammed Siraj is set to lead India’s pace attack. Kuldeep Yadav is expected to retain his spot in the squad, providing a spin option alongside the all-rounders. The final spot in the pace department might see competition between Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh, with the latter inching closer to a Test debut. While there were earlier murmurs of BCCI looking at the Bangladesh series for Shami’s return, it seems he might make a comeback from his injury only in the New Zealand series.
Tentative 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
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