Rishabh Pant's return to India's Test squad for the first Test against Bangladesh marks a significant moment in his cricketing career, especially after his long absence from the international stage due to the car accident he suffered in late 2022. Having last played a Test match in December 2022, coincidentally also against Bangladesh in Mirpur, Pant’s journey back to fitness and form has been eagerly followed by fans and pundits alike. His return to red-ball cricket during the 2024 Duleep Trophy was a major milestone, where he represented the India B team and contributed to their victory over India A in a high-stakes match in Bengaluru.
Despite a shaky start in the Duleep Trophy, where Pant struggled with the bat in the first innings, he quickly regained his rhythm in the second innings, scoring a crucial 61 off just 47 balls. This aggressive knock not only bolstered his confidence but also helped set up a strong target that India A was unable to chase down, ultimately losing by 76 runs. Pant’s form with the bat and his experience behind the stumps were instrumental in securing his spot in the Indian Test squad for the Bangladesh series.
In the squad announcement made on September 8, Pant and Dhruv Jurel were selected as the designated wicketkeepers, with Jurel impressing during the Duleep Trophy for his sharp work behind the stumps. The squad also sees the return of some of India’s biggest cricketing stars, including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, R Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja, all of whom missed the Duleep Trophy opener. Their inclusion is expected to add strength and experience to the team as they prepare for the first Test, scheduled to begin on September 19 at Chepauk Stadium in Chennai.
KL Rahul, who has been selected purely as a batter for this match, is another key player returning to the fold. The squad also features the first Test call-up for Yash Dayal, a promising fast bowler, while Shreyas Iyer has been left out of the mix. Sarfaraz Khan, who had an impressive debut series against England, retains his place in the team, cementing his status as a rising talent in the Indian Test setup.
With the return of star players and the inclusion of fresh talent, India’s squad looks formidable for the Bangladesh series. For Pant, this Test match represents a significant personal comeback as he continues to rebuild his career after the injury setback. His recent performance in domestic cricket, particularly his explosive knock in the Duleep Trophy, suggests that he is ready to make a strong impact as India prepares for this crucial series. The cricketing world will be closely watching Pant as he takes the field once again, hoping that he can continue his rise as one of India’s premier wicketkeeper-batters.
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