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As India prepares to face Bangladesh in a two-match Test series later this month, former Australian spinner Brad Hogg has made headlines by announcing his preferred playing XI for the first Test, set to begin on September 19 at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Hogg’s selection has sparked discussion, particularly regarding his decision to leave out key players KL Rahul and Axar Patel.
The series marks an important moment for both teams, with India looking to build on their recent successes and Bangladesh eager to prove their mettle on the international stage. The second Test will follow at Green Park Stadium in Kanpur, starting September 27.
Hogg’s Selected XI
In a recent YouTube video, Hogg outlined his ideal lineup for the first Test, which includes some notable names. He proposed an opening pair of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma, followed by Shubman Gill at number three and Virat Kohli at four. Ravindra Jadeja, known for his all-round capabilities, would come in at five, ensuring a balanced left-right batting combination.
Hogg emphasized the importance of Rishabh Pant‘s return to the team, opting for him as the wicketkeeper-batter over Dhruv Jurel. “The XI that I am going to the first Test match against Bangladesh for India—Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma opening the batting. Gill at three, Kohli at four, and Jadeja coming at five just to keep that left-handed right-hand combination going. Sarfaraz Khan, Pant, and then you’re into the bowlers, where you’ve got Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj, and Bumrah,” Hogg explained.
The Exclusion of Rahul and Axar
Hogg’s decision to exclude KL Rahul and Axar Patel has raised eyebrows, especially considering their recent performances. Rahul, who was sidelined for the last four Tests due to injury, has shown resilience and skill in domestic cricket, making him a strong contender for the Test squad. Meanwhile, Axar Patel has been in impressive form, recently scoring 86 runs and taking wickets in the Duleep Trophy.
Despite their strong credentials, Hogg believes that the selected XI will be more effective not only against Bangladesh but also as they prepare for future challenges, including a series against Australia. “That team will go pretty well down in Australia as well. So, they’ve got to start warming up for the Australian summer,” he noted.
India’s Squad for the First Test
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a 16-member squad for the first Test, which includes several returning players. Rishabh Pant’s inclusion after a 21-month absence from the red-ball format is particularly noteworthy, as is the return of Virat Kohli, who missed the last series due to personal reasons.
The squad features a mix of experienced players and emerging talents, with Rohit Sharma leading the team. Other notable players include Jasprit Bumrah, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Kuldeep Yadav, all of whom are expected to play pivotal roles in the upcoming matches.
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India’s squad for the 1st Test of the Bangladesh Test series: Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), R Ashwin, R Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah, and Yash Dayal.
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