IND vs BAN : After a commanding 280 run victory in Chennai, the BCCI has announced that India will retain the same squad for the second Test against Bangladesh, scheduled to begin on September 27 in Kanpur. This decision comes as no surprise, given India’s dominant performance in the first Test, where they outclassed Bangladesh with both bat and ball.
Let’s have a look into more details –IND vs BAN
Rohit Sharma’s men were at their best in the first Test at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, and the selectors have decided to stick with the same team for the final match of the series. The current squad includes a balanced mix of youth and experience, with standout performances from Ravichandran Ashwin, Rishabh Pant, and Shubman Gill playing pivotal roles in the Chennai win.
Ashwin’s all round brilliance, including a six-wicket haul in the second innings and crucial contributions with the bat, helped India take a 1-0 lead in the two match series. Twin centuries from Pant and Gill in the second innings set Bangladesh an improbable target of 515 runs, and they were eventually bowled out for 234.
A Strategic Decision to Retain the Same Squad
There were speculations that the Indian team management might rotate a few players, particularly with regards to fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, as part of the workload management program. However, the selectors have opted to maintain consistency and give the same players a chance to seal the series.
The squad announcement indicates that the management is confident in the players who dominated the first Test. While there were discussions around KL Rahul’s position in the team after a lukewarm performance in Chennai, the selectors have decided to give him another opportunity to prove himself.
Squad for the 2nd Test in Kanpur
- 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
Key Performers to Watch in Kanpur
- Ravichandran Ashwin: The off spinner has been in exceptional form and will be looking to carry his momentum into the second Test. His bowling in the Chepauk Test, especially at his home ground, was a key factor in India’s victory.
- Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill: Both young players smashed centuries in Chennai, setting up an insurmountable lead for Bangladesh. Their attacking brand of cricket has become crucial to India’s Test success.
- Jasprit Bumrah: Although there were speculations about resting Bumrah, the selectors have chosen to keep him in the squad. The pacer’s ability to produce match winning spells, especially on tough pitches, will be crucial in Kanpur.
Will India Clinch the Series?
With an unchanged squad, India is clearly looking to build on the momentum from the first Test. The conditions in Kanpur are expected to be spin-friendly, which bodes well for India’s world class spin trio of Ashwin, Jadeja, and Axar Patel.
The Indian team will also be eager to continue their dominant home run, having not lost a home Test series since 2012. A series win over Bangladesh will further boost India’s chances in the World Test Championship cycle and solidify their reputation as a formidable Test side, especially on home soil.
Read more: IND vs BAN : India’s Historic Test Milestone – 92 Years Later, Wins Finally Outnumber Losses
FAQs
When is the 2nd Test between India and Bangladesh?
The second Test starts on September 27, 2024, in Kanpur
