India vs Bangladesh 2024 Best Test Squad and Players List
Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami set to be rested as we look at the confirmed India vs Bangladesh 2024 Test squad and 15 players list.
It’s been only a month, but it feels like a life-long wait since the Indian team last played a Cricket match. Honestly, never in the last 8-10 years have the Indian team seen such a long gap between two successive series or matches. But as we wait for the next series, the India vs Bangladesh 2024 Test series, the Indian team players are already gearing up their preparation for the longest format of the game.
Barring a few senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ashwin, and others, almost the entire current young generation and potential starters are playing in the Duleep Trophy 2024. With the Indian team continuously playing White ball cricket for the last 7-8 months, this Domestic tournament is a welcome step for the players to prepare for Test cricket with a lot of long-format tours being lined up.
Having said that, another section of the Indian team, the Selectors and Management are already busy finalizing the squad for the Test series. While most of the players are already finalized, a few open spots will be decided based on their performance in the Duleep Trophy. However, we do have insider news on the likely squad that India is going to finalize. So, as we wait for the official news, let’s in the meantime look at the list of players that are potentially going to play the Test series.
India vs Bangladesh 2024 Test Squad Analyzed:
If we talk about the players that are sure to play without any debate on them, those will be Captain Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, and Mohammed Siraj. Aside from these players, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami too would have been sure-shot selections, but it seems both will be rested for the Bangladesh series with a potential return to New Zealand series
Now, these 9 players have been exceptional performers for India over the last few years in the longest format of the game. Jaiswal has already established as an opener after smashing 700+ runs against England. He is ready to partner with Rohit at the top with Gill likely a number 3 slot player. Virat Kohli should be back in the squad after missing the England series due to parental duties. Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant will make a return to the squad after missing many games due to an accident.
India will also be happy to see the all-rounder trio of Ashwin, Jadeja, and Axar. The trio is invaluable in Test cricket when they play in India. So, with 9 sure-shot players, the team ideally selects a 15-member squad for all their series. The Bangladesh series shouldn’t be any different, so we have to look for 6 more players to fill the gaps. Among the categories that are missing, we are looking at 2-3 backup batters, a backup wicket-keeper, and backup bowlers.
New Players?
If we look at the previous Test series vs England, Sarfaraz Khan as a middle-order batter and Dhruv Jurel as the wicket-keeper impressed a lot with their performance. Even as we see the return of Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant, both these players don’t deserve to get dropped. So, expect both Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel to be a part of the squad at least for the Bangladesh series.
Now, there is a space for one more batter, and the other main question is whether India continue with a tried and tested player like KL Rahul, or bring in a young gun like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devdutt Padikkal, or Rajat Patidar. Devdutt had a good debut in the last series. But Rajat didn’t impress much, and Ruturaj missed the series due to injury. Overall, India may continue with Devdutt Padikkal given his good returns in the England series. Unfortunately, KL Rahul may be left out of the squad unless India select 16 players.
Replacements for Bumrah and Shami?
Coming to bowlers, India will need a replacement for Bumrah and Shami, and most likely, India will groom a left-arm pacer in the form of Arshdeep Singh or Khaleel Ahmed. Of the two, India are likely to give Arshdeep Singh, the first chance being a senior experienced player. Alongside Arshdeep, India are likely to bring in Mukesh Kumar, who has already been a regular player for Team India.
Apart from these players, India should persist with Kuldeep Yadav ahead of an extra pacer. With matches being in India, a spinner like Kuldeep Yadav will be more handy as compared to an extra pacer. But if at all India decide to select an extra pacer, Harshit Rana may be in line for a selection. Harshit has been impressive with his performances so far in the Domestic circuit, and hence deserves the selection.
India vs Bangladesh 2024 Confirmed Test Squad and Players List:
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Rohit Sharma (c)
- Sarfaraz Khan
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Dhruv Jurel (wk)
- Rishabh Pant (wk)
- Axar Patel
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Ravichandran Ashwin
- Arshdeep Singh
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Mohammed Siraj
- Mukesh Kumar
So, that’s about the likely squad that Team India is going to select for the 2024 Bangladesh Test series. Overall, 9 members select for themselves. Sarfaraz and Devdutt may be preferred above Shreyas and KL Rahul. Whereas Arshdeep and Mukesh Kumar may be the replacements for Burmah and Shami, who shall be rested.
