xtratime Logo

Xtra Time Web Desk: In a surprising turn of events, Jasprit Bumrah, who was expected to be rested for the two-match Test series against Bangladesh, found his place in India’s 16-man squad for the first Test. The marquee pacer’s inclusion comes amid speculation about him being given a break. Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant also makes a long-awaited return after nearly 20 months away from Test cricket, marking another key highlight in India’s squad announcement on Sunday.

Despite the return of big names like Bumrah and Pant, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selection committee’s decision to not appoint a vice-captain raised eyebrows. In India's last Test against England, Bumrah served as the vice-captain, but no such role has been assigned for the upcoming series, leaving fans curious about the leadership dynamics.

Read More:

Intercontinental Cup 2024: Winless India ends their journey with 0-3 defeat, exits tournament

Bumrah, seen as a key leader within the team, stands alongside players like KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Virat Kohli. While Kohli has distanced himself from taking an official leadership role, Rahul and Pant remain contenders for future captaincy. However, none of them has been named vice-captain for the Bangladesh Tests.

The squad also sees the return of KL Rahul after his injury, while uncapped left-arm seamer Yash Dayal earns his maiden Test call-up. Mohammed Shami, however, remains absent, still recovering from his injury.

Read More:

ENG vs SL: Pathum Nissanka powers Sri Lanka to decade long awaited win in England

India’s squad for the 1st Test vs Bangladesh: Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (wk), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah, Yash Dayal.