India head coach Gautam Gambhir has confirmed that senior players KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant will be in the playing XI for the first Test against Bangladesh, leaving talented youngsters Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel on the bench. Speaking to reporters ahead of the match in Chennai, Gambhir stressed that the decision was based on experience and the need to field a balanced team for the crucial two-match series.

The first Test, starting on September 19, will mark the return of both Rahul and  Pant to Test cricket. Rahul, who has been out of action due to injury, will slot into the middle order, while Pant makes his comeback after a long injury layoff following a car accident in December 2022. Their return comes at the expense of Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel, both of whom have impressed in previous matches but will now have to wait for their next opportunity.

“We don’t drop anyone. We just pick the players who fit the XI. Jurel is a phenomenal player, but when Pant is coming in, sometimes people have to wait. Same with Sarfaraz. There will be opportunities, but you have to wait,” Gambhir said during the press conference.

Dhruv Jurel had made a strong debut earlier this year against England, even winning the Player of the Match award in Ranchi. Sarfaraz Khan also showcased his adaptability in the middle order, scoring back-to-back fifties during the same series. However, Gambhir’s decision to prioritize the experience of KL Rahul and Pant indicates a focus on preparing for tougher upcoming series, including the Border-Gavaskar series against Australia.

India’s expected batting line-up includes Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal opening the innings, followed by Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul, with Rishabh Pant taking the wicketkeeping duties. The series promises to be an intense contest, with both teams fielding strong squads.

As Gambhir summed up, “This is a new series, and we want to play good cricket from ball one. Yes, they have experience in Shakib, Mushfiqur, and Mehidy, but we want to be switched on from the start.”