Indian Pacers Are Likely to Debut in the Upcoming Bangladesh Tests

Team India's upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh, set to begin on September 19 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, promises to be an intriguing affair for several reasons. This series will mark Gautam Gambhir's debut as India's head coach in the Test format, and it also offers a glimpse into the future of India's pace attack. With established stars like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami likely to sit out, the management is gearing up to introduce fresh faces to the Test arena, ensuring a strong and diverse lineup for the challenges ahead.

The Men in Blue are in a comfortable position atop the ICC World Test Championship points table, and the upcoming series is an opportunity to solidify their standing. However, the absence of key pacers opens the door for promising newcomers who are ready to make their mark in the red-ball format. Let's explore the three Indian pacers who are likely to debut against Bangladesh and how they could shape the future of India's bowling attack.

Arshdeep Singh

Arshdeep Singh is the leading candidate to make his Test debut against Bangladesh. Arshdeep has carved his niche in white-ball cricket, yet his red-ball prowess is quietly making waves. The management’s strategy of incorporating a left-arm seamer to add variety to the pace attack aligns perfectly with Arshdeep's inclusion, especially with Bumrah, Shami, and Mohammed Siraj being right-arm bowlers.

Arshdeep’s first-class record may be limited, but it’s nothing short of fiery! With 49 wickets in just 16 matches and a sizzling best of 5/48, this 25-year-old left-arm sensation is already making waves at the top level. Toss in some county cricket experience, courtesy of former head coach Rahul Dravid’s master plan, and you’ve got a pacer finely tuned for success. Bangladesh, beware—Arshdeep is locked, loaded, and ready to make some noise.

Khaleel Ahmed

Khaleel Ahmed is another left-arm fast bowler in contention for a spot in the Test squad. Although he has been inconsistent at times, Khaleel possesses the ability to swing the ball both ways, which can be particularly challenging for opposition batsmen. His height and natural angle as a left-armer add to his effectiveness, making him a tricky customer in Test cricket.

Khaleel has already represented India in ODIs and T20Is, but a Test debut has eluded him so far. With only 12 first-class matches under his belt, Khaleel's experience may be limited, but his exposure to international cricket, particularly through the IPL, has equipped him with the skills needed to compete at the highest level.

Harshit Rana

Harshit Rana’s sharp bowling skills are turning heads, marking him as a future force in Indian cricket. His breakthrough season with KKR, where he claimed 19 wickets in 13 games, put him on the map as a future IPL great. Despite his youth, Harshit has already shown that he can perform under pressure, and his natural swing bowling makes him an ideal candidate for red-ball cricket.

Harshit’s rapid rise saw him being included in the Indian ODI squad for the Sri Lanka series, although he didn't get a chance to play. His association with Gautam Gambhir, who has been instrumental in his development during his time with KKR, could be a key factor in his inclusion in the Bangladesh Tests.