Rishabh Pant set for Test return in Bangladesh series: Details
What's the story
Rishabh Pant is set to make a return to the Indian cricket team for the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh.
This marks a significant milestone in his career, following a 15-month break due to a severe car accident in late 2022.
Since his comeback earlier this year, Pant has demonstrated his skills in various shorter formats including the Indian Premier League, T20 Internationals, and One-Day Internationals.
Here's more.
Selection process
Pant's Test selection depends on team management
As per Cricbuzz, the final decision to include Pant in the starting XI for the first Test, which begins at the Chepauk in Chennai on September 19, rests with skipper Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir.
This decision will be made following an online meeting of Ajit Agarkar's selection committee on Monday (September 9).
Pant's potential competitor is Dhruv Jurel, who showcased his talent during the England series while Pant was sidelined.
Career comeback
Pant's performance since his return
Pant had a solid IPL 2024 season for the Delhi Capitals by scoring 446 runs at 40.55.
He played a crucial role in India's T20 World Cup trophy win, scoring 171 runs in 8 matches at 24.42.
Pant scored 49 and 2 in two T20Is versus Sri Lanka next before managing a 6-run knock in a solitary ODI outing.
In the just concluded Duleep Trophy match, Pant scored 7 and 61 for Abhimanyu Easwaran-led India B.
Team composition
Predicted Indian squad for upcoming Test series
The team for the upcoming Test series is expected to consist of skipper Rohit Sharma alongside batters like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli.
Sarfaraz Khan and KL Rahul are potential candidates. India could select both Pant and Jurel as wicketkeepers.
The pace attack will likely be led by the versatile Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, with Akash Deep as the third pacer.
Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel will form the spin unit.