Team India's return to Test cricket got off to a rocky start on the first day of the opening Test against Bangladesh in Chennai. Facing an unusually pace-friendly pitch at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, India’s renowned batting line-up was rattled by the disciplined bowling of 24-year-old Hasan Mahmud. The young Bangladesh pacer, playing just his fourth Test, dismantled the top-order by dismissing captain Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli before lunch, leaving India struggling on Day 1.

Mahmud strikes early: Rohit and Gill fall cheaply

Under overcast skies, Bangladesh won the toss and sent India in to bat on a pitch that offered early movement to the pacers. Hasan Mahmud, alongside Taskin Ahmed, utilized the conditions perfectly, with Mahmud keeping a tight off-stump line that troubled the Indian batters. In the sixth over, he made the first breakthrough by dismissing Rohit Sharma, who edged a tentative poke to slip, where Najmul Hossain Shanto took a sharp catch. Rohit’s early dismissal for 6 put India on the back foot.

Things went from bad to worse when Shubman Gill, struggling to find form, was dismissed without scoring. Attempting to work a leg-side delivery down to fine leg, Gill feathered an edge to wicketkeeper Litton Das, who took an athletic catch. With both openers back in the pavilion early, India was under immense pressure.

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Virat Kohli falls to familiar weakness

Virat Kohli, returning to the Test side for the first time since 2023, showed early promise with some authoritative shots. His elegant flicks on the leg side seemed to suggest that he was ready to take control of the innings. However, Kohli’s well-known weakness outside the off-stump once again proved costly. Mahmud, sticking to his disciplined off-stump line, tempted Kohli into playing a cover drive. The Indian star edged the ball to Litton Das, who claimed his second catch, leaving India reeling at 3 wickets down before lunch.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have coincidentally scored identical runs in Test cricket on just two occasions. The first instance was during the Delhi Test against Sri Lanka in 2017, where both players scored 50 runs. The second occurred in the Chennai Test against Bangladesh in 2024, where both were dismissed for just 6 runs. Despite their contrasting careers, these rare moments showcase an unusual alignment in their performances.

With three key batters dismissed in the first session, India faces an uphill battle to recover from this precarious situation. Bangladesh, carrying momentum from their recent historic 2-0 Test series win in Pakistan, look poised to capitalize on India’s struggles and make a strong statement in the opening Test.

"You jump, I jump."

Ahhh the bromance of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. #ViratKohli #RohitSharma pic.twitter.com/FNatayJXwQ

— Ministry Of Sarcasm (@M_OfSarcasm) September 19, 2024

Prince Gill gone for Duck followed by King Kohli who gone for 6(6) and all this against mighty Bangladesh 🫡🔥 pic.twitter.com/lNPoKrB6Gy

— TukTuk Academy (@TukTuk_Academy) September 19, 2024

And Kohli perishes while showing the intent 🥰, nvm king you played selflessly pic.twitter.com/sCLJ4MqlBd

— Pushkar (@musafir_hu_yar) September 19, 2024

Skipping sa and NZ tours has convinced PPL that Rohit is some good all conditions opener

— Pricviz (@Pric_viz_) September 19, 2024

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have scored identical runs in Test cricket only twice:

Both 50 vs Sri Lanka, Delhi 2017
Both 6 vs Bangladesh, Chennai 2024 pic.twitter.com/hSTOwCNijz

— Johns (@JohnyBravo183) September 19, 2024

Ace Indian batter Shubman Gill is set to be a key figure in India's Test squad for the upcoming series against Bangladesh. However, the senior selection committee has decided to rest Gill, alongside other key Test players, from the three-match T20I series as part of their workload management strategy. This decision is aimed at ensuring that India's top players remain fresh and injury-free for the busy Test schedule ahead.

Shubman Gill rested for Bangladesh T20I series

Shubman Gill, who has recently cemented his position as India's number three in the Test lineup, will be rested during the Bangladesh T20I series. The three T20I matches are scheduled for October 7, 10, and 13 in Gwalior, Delhi, and Hyderabad, respectively. With a short turnaround between the T20I series and India's first Test against New Zealand, which starts on October 16, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has chosen to prioritize player workload management. A BCCI source stated, “It is important to give Gill a break before the rigorous Test season, which includes 10 Tests, including series against Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Australia.”

It has been confirmed that most of the players who are part of the Test setup, including pacers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, will also be rested from the T20I series. This move comes in light of the team's focus on the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-2025 cycle, with the goal of reaching the final at Lord's in June 2025.

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Ishan Kishan set for a return after long absence

As Rishabh Pant continues to be an integral part of India's red-ball setup, his involvement in the shorter formats remains uncertain. In Pant's potential absence, Ishan Kishan is expected to make a comeback to international cricket. Kishan, who last represented India in November, could rejoin the squad for the Bangladesh T20Is, marking his return after nearly nine months away from the international scene.

The T20I series will provide Kishan with a crucial opportunity to showcase his skills, as he looks to regain his spot in the Indian team amidst tough competition. Meanwhile, India’s main focus remains on preparing their key players for the crucial Test series ahead.

With 10 Tests lined up in the current season, including the highly anticipated tours of Australia, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, India is aiming to manage player workload carefully to stay on track for their World Test Championship aspirations.

Amid India’s triumphant T20 World Cup 2024 campaign, opener Shubman Gill’s absence from posting congratulatory messages has stirred up speculation and concern among fans. Despite the team’s success, Gill’s lack of social media acknowledgment following India’s victory has raised eyebrows, with fans questioning his apparent silence and its implications.

Disciplinary rumors and alleged ego clash with Rohit Sharma

Reports have emerged suggesting a possible rift between Shubman Gill and team captain Rohit Sharma, stemming from Gill’s reported non-participation in team activities and his focus on personal projects during the T20 World Cup. Speculation intensified further when Gill unfollowed Rohit Sharma on Instagram, fueling rumors of discord within the team. However, sources close to the BCCI have refuted these claims, stating that Gill’s return to India after the group stage is unrelated to any disciplinary issues, as clarified by a BCCI source to MyKhel.

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Clarification and team dynamics

Contrary to media speculation, the BCCI source emphasized that Shubman Gill’s departure along with Avesh Khan post-group stage is a routine decision, not linked to disciplinary concerns. The source reaffirmed that Gill’s commitment and conduct were not under question within the team, underscoring the stability of team dynamics amidst their T20 World Cup triumph.