After a long month of rest, Team India is set to return to action on September 19th, taking on Bangladesh in a two-match Test series. The first Test will be held at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, and the Indian selectors, led by Ajit Agarkar, might introduce some changes to the squad. One of the major highlights of this series is the potential return of star wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant.
Rishabh Pant’s Comeback in Test Cricket
Rishabh Pant has been away from cricket for 15 months due to a serious car accident. He made his comeback to the sport earlier this year through the IPL in March 2024, followed by representing India in the T20 World Cup and playing ODIs in Sri Lanka. According to reports, Pant is almost certain to be included in the squad for the Bangladesh Test series. His return will likely provide a boost to India’s middle order and give the team a strong presence behind the stumps.
Although young wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel may offer some competition for a spot in the playing XI, Pant’s experience and previous performances in red-ball cricket make him a frontrunner. Pant has been a standout performer in Test cricket, having played 33 matches, scoring 2271 runs at an average of 43. His ability to change the course of a match with his aggressive batting makes him a valuable asset in the longest format of the game.
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Rajat Patidar Likely to Miss Out
However, the return of Rishabh Pant could mean bad news for Rajat Patidar. The 30-year-old right-handed batsman, who made his Test debut earlier this year against England, is likely to be dropped from the squad. Patidar, who plays for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the IPL, couldn’t capitalize on his opportunities in the Test arena. In 3 matches, he managed to score only 63 runs, which may result in him missing out on the series against Bangladesh.
Patidar has been a promising player in the IPL, scoring 799 runs in 27 matches, but his performances in the Test format have not lived up to expectations. With the return of established players like Pant, Patidar may have to wait for another opportunity to prove himself at the highest level.
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Virat Kohli Set to Return
Adding to the excitement, Indian cricket’s stalwart Virat Kohli is expected to return for the Test series against Bangladesh. Kohli had opted out of the home Test series against England earlier this year due to personal reasons. His return will be a significant boost for Team India, as his experience and skillset will be crucial in maintaining India’s dominance in the longer format.
As the Indian team gears up for the Test series against Bangladesh, all eyes will be on the final squad selection and how the team shapes up with the potential return of key players like Rishabh Pant and Virat Kohli.
