India resumed on international test cricket after winning the flat series of 4:1 with England in March this year. Being at the top of the table, the side, which reached the finals here last time, wants to do for the third consecutive time.
Indian cricketers were noticed training on the field in Chennai due to preparation for the first test match against Bangladesh. During the practice, Indian cricket team star batter Number 3 Virat Kohli was seen teasing with team mates Kuldeep Yadav and Rishabh Pant. Kohli and Pant were seen in the warm up session before the match where Yadav was being dragged by the two.
Rishabh Pant returned to test cricket after an accident that involved a vehicle in December of the year 2022. The last time Pant played a test match was against Bangladesh, which was also in December. He returned to competitive cricket at the start of the year with the imbibition of IPL T20 wherein his team won the T20 World Cup 2024.
Gautam Gambhir, the new coach of India, started his first test series as head coach. Earlier in the year he was in charge for the team in a white-ball series against Sri Lanka. Middle-order batsman Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravichandran Ashwin and other key members of team returned with Rohit Shetty as captain.
India has selected three fast bowlers and an off-spinner for their squad. Jasprit Bumrah is the leader of the pace attack fronting Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep who made his debut against England in Ranchi. Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadea spin both the spinners.
Bangladesh too selected no more than three pacers, and this cohort features Taskin Ahmed as well as Hasan Mahmud and Nahid Rana. Spinning all-rounders Shakib al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz will lead the spin department. As of now, Bangladesh either occupies the fourth spot in the World Test Energy table but has been sent packing with a 2-0 whitewash at home by Pakistan.
Bangladesh and India will commence the second test match from September 27 at Kanpur. This will be followed by a series of three Twenty20 matches.
