The Indian cricket team, including Jasprit Bumrah, arrived in Chennai early in preparation for their much-anticipated two-match Test series against Bangladesh, which kicks off on September 19, 2024, at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium. Bumrah, who is coming off a triumphant T20 World Cup campaign earlier this year, has been a key player for India, and his return to the Test format has cricket fans buzzing with excitement.
This Test series marks an important step for both teams. India, under the leadership of Rohit Sharma and with the guidance of new head coach Gautam Gambhir, will be looking to maintain their dominance. The Indian squad looks formidable, with seasoned stars like Bumrah, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ravichandran Ashwin returning to the fold. The bowling department, in particular, is well-stocked, with Bumrah expected to lead the pace attack alongside Mohammed Siraj and the young Yash Dayal, who received his maiden Test call-up.
Bumrah’s presence is especially significant given his recent absence from Test cricket. He last played in the format during India’s tour of South Africa in January 2023 and has since focused on limited-overs cricket, including his match-winning performances during the 2024 T20 World Cup final against South Africa. His inclusion in this series brings an extra layer of confidence to the Indian bowling unit, which will look to exploit the conditions in Chennai.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, faces a tough challenge. The visitors will be without their star pacer, Shoriful Islam, who is sidelined due to injury. This puts additional pressure on the Bangladeshi lineup, which will need to find alternative ways to contend with India’s powerful batting and well-rounded bowling attack.
The first Test in Chennai will be followed by the second Test in Kanpur, scheduled to begin on September 27. This series is crucial not only for India but also for Bangladesh as both teams look to fine-tune their strategies ahead of the busy international calendar, which includes India’s upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia later this year.
India’s squad also sees the return of Rishabh Pant, who makes his comeback to Test cricket after a horrific car accident in December 2022. His inclusion, along with that of KL Rahul, will bolster the middle order, while the spin quartet of Ashwin, Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav will give the team plenty of options on turning tracks.
The excitement around Bumrah’s return is palpable, especially given his ability to perform in high-pressure situations. With the team gearing up for their five-day training camp in Chennai, India will be keen to start the series on a winning note and establish momentum ahead of the more grueling contests lined up later in the year.
This series also marks Virat Kohli’s return to the Test format after a short break. Kohli, who struggled during the 2024 T20 World Cup and the ODI series against Sri Lanka, will be eager to find his form in this series, as he prepares for what promises to be a busy year of cricket.
As the team begins its final preparations in Chennai, the spotlight is firmly on Bumrah and his ability to swing the match in India’s favor. His arrival not only strengthens India’s bowling attack but also adds a psychological edge, which will be crucial against a Bangladesh team looking for an upset. Fans and pundits alike are excited to see Bumrah back in action, and his performance in this series could well set the tone for India’s future contests.
With everything set for a thrilling start, the first Test between India and Bangladesh in Chennai promises to be a high-stakes encounter. Both teams will be eager to claim early supremacy, but with Bumrah back in the lineup, India might just have the edge.