KL Rahul Excluded; India's Probable Squad For Bangladesh Test Series

KL Rahul likely to be excluded from India squad [x] KL Rahul likely to be excluded from India squad [x]

The much-anticipated India Vs Bangladesh Test series is just around the corner. After thrashing Pakistan in a one-sided series, the Tigers will be relatively confident of defeating the mighty Indian side, who were last defeated in a home Test series in 2012.

Led by a supreme leader in Rohit Sharma, Team India will be riding-high on confidence and a series win against the Bangladesh side will get them closer to the WTC finale, which takes place in June 2025 at the iconic Lord's Stadium.

As per reports, Rishabh Pant is set to be included in the Indian Test team for the Bangladesh series, but one big name is likely to be excluded from the team - KL Rahul. The talented Indian batter's career has been marred with injuries, and every-time he performs well in a Test match, injury follows him up.

Reports suggest that India will have two keepers in the side, Pant and Dhruv Jurel, who performed exceptionally well in the series against England, earlier this month. The opening slot is also filled with Rohit and Yashasvi Jaiswal taking over the mantle, and that leaves no space for KL Rahul in the side.

Team to have four spinners in the squad

With the matches taking place on Indian soil, expect the team management to go in with at-least four spinners in the side. Three of them are already confirmed - R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel, with Washington Sundar likely to be the fourth spinner.

The pitches in both the Test venues, Chennai and Kanpur will assist the spinners, and as a result, India will surely start in with three in their playing XI.

Bumrah to make a return after lengthy break

Ever-since the conclusion of the T20 World Cup final, Jasprit Bumrah has not played a single game for India. He has been given an extended break by the BCCI, considering the important BGT 2024 set to take place in November-December.

However, with the WTC points at stake, Gautam Gambhir, the head coach of the Indian team would love to have his best bowler back. Bumrah brings in plethora of experience and will be supported by other bowlers in Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, and probably, Akash Deep.

Mohammed Shami likely to be back

After a lengthy layoff, it is expected that ace pacer, Mohammed Shami will be back in the India squad for Bangladesh Tests. He last played for India during the finals of the World Cup 2023, and since then has been out with an Achilles heel injury.

He might not play the first Test, but there is a possibility that the speedster will be included for the second game, considering he needs match-practice to get ready for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

India Probable squad for Bangladesh Tests

Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Dhruv Jurel, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammad Shami, Shreyas Iyer, Washington Sundar, Sarfaraz Khan