With Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant set to return, most of the spots in India’s Test XI are already filled, leaving only a few opportunities for youngsters to make their mark. As the month-long break for Indian cricketers comes to an end, the Duleep Trophy will kick off a long cricket season that will culminate with the World Test Championship Final in June 2025.
India’s journey begins with the Test series against Bangladesh starting on September 19. Before that, many of the players will participate in the Duleep Trophy to prove their form. The Ajit Agarkar-led BCCI Selection Committee will keep a close eye on performances to finalize the squad, though major surprises are unlikely.
Players like Jasprit Bumrah, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma, along with Ravichandran Ashwin, have been exempted from the Duleep Trophy. However, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Shubman Gill will participate in the domestic circuit. Following the first Duleep Trophy match, the Test series-bound players will gather in Chennai for a short camp.
“Test squad is nearly set. It’s about filling up two or three spots. Ajit and his team will observe the Duleep Trophy and decide on the few available spots. Virat and Rohit will both play in the Test series. This is a new cycle, and they need to get into the red-ball mindset before the Australia tour,” a BCCI official shared.
India Squad for Bangladesh Test: Who Are In?
Test captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill, who recently regained form against England, are automatic selections. Yashasvi Jaiswal has also secured his place in the Test side.
Rishabh Pant, making his international return in the T20 World Cup after recovering from a near-fatal accident in December 2022, is back in the Test squad.
Other guaranteed starters for the IND vs BAN Test series include KL Rahul, Mohammed Siraj, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja. Kuldeep Yadav, currently India’s top leg-spinner, is expected to play a significant role on slow, turning pitches, partnering with Jadeja and Ashwin.
Axar Patel could also be in contention for the Playing XI, although he may serve as a backup spinner depending on pitch conditions. With the potential for rain and moisture on the pitches, seamers could also have a role to play. As for Bumrah, the BCCI plans to reintroduce him during the New Zealand series, with an eye on crucial upcoming Tests that are vital for India’s World Test Championship Final qualification.
The squad is shaping up well, with most spots already locked in, and only a few decisions remaining for the selectors.