In preparation for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, Rohit Sharma and his squad had another intense training session at Chennai’s Chepauk Stadium. The entire 16-member squad was present on Monday as the Indian cricket team entered its third practice session, ramping up their preparations after a day of rest. The first Test match is set to begin on Thursday, and the players are leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of victory.

Kohli and Jaiswal lead batting nets

As is often the case, Virat Kohli was among the first to hit the nets. He was soon joined by southpaw Yashasvi Jaiswal, with both batsmen facing deliveries from ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah and local favorite, R Ashwin. The two batsmen looked solid, with Kohli in fine form as he timed the ball with precision. Meanwhile, Jaiswal was put to the test by Ashwin’s turn and Bumrah’s pace, as the duo focused on sharpening their skills for the spin-friendly conditions expected in Chennai.

Following Kohli and Jaiswal, skipper Rohit Sharma, along with Shubman Gill and Sarfaraz Khan, took the crease. Rohit dedicated his session to honing his technique against spin bowling, keeping Bangladesh’s potent slow bowling attack in mind. Sarfaraz Khan, fresh from his participation in the Duleep Trophy, also got valuable time in the nets alongside his teammates.

Jadeja, Pant, and bowlers fine-tune skills

All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant, and fast bowler Mohammed Siraj also participated in the session, facing local bowlers and undergoing rigorous throwdowns. The practice pitches at the Chepauk ground offered significant bounce, providing a great opportunity for the players to adjust to the conditions ahead of the Test series.

Pant is expected to make his long-awaited return to the Test side after nearly two years, with Dhruv Jurel likely to be benched despite an impressive debut series against England.

India has two more scheduled practice sessions before the series opener. The Chennai pitch is known to favor spinners, and it's expected that India will field three spinners—Ashwin, Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav—alongside two pacers, Bumrah and Siraj. All-rounder Axar Patel, despite his recent consistent performances, might have to sit out this time.

See Also: Watch: Kohli’s power shot breaks Chepauk wall ahead of Bangladesh Test

With Bangladesh riding high on confidence after a series sweep against Pakistan, India is leaving nothing to chance, ensuring that every player is match-ready for the important series ahead.

Star batter Virat Kohli showcased his raw power during a net session at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, smashing a shot that broke through a stadium wall ahead of India's Test series against Bangladesh. Kohli, who is returning to Test cricket after an eight-month hiatus, is gearing up for a crucial period in India's Test schedule.

Kohli returns to Test cricket after long break

Virat Kohli, one of India's greatest Test cricketers, is set to make his much-anticipated return to the longest format of the game as India prepares for the first Test against Bangladesh, starting on September 19. The 35-year-old last featured in Test cricket during a two-match series against South Africa in January, after which he took a break to welcome his son, Akaay. Kohli missed India’s subsequent home Test series against England, where Rohit Sharma led the team to a 4-1 victory.

Now, Kohli is expected to play a key role in India’s upcoming 10 Test matches through January 2025. The schedule includes a two-match series against Bangladesh, three Tests against New Zealand, and a high-profile five-Test tour of Australia between November 2024 and January 2025.

Asteroid landed in Chepauk stadium#INDvsBAN #ViratKohli #ViratKohli𓃵 #Virat pic.twitter.com/IVxALXCWbd

— Jr.VK (@simhadri03) September 15, 2024

Virat Kohli broke the wall of Team India dressing room at Chepauk during the practice session 🤯🔥 pic.twitter.com/A1IEG64Ms8

— Virat Kohli Fan Club (@Trend_VKohli) September 15, 2024

Kohli's brute force smashes stadium wall

During a practice session in Chennai, Kohli was seen in supreme form, hitting the ball with precision and power. One of his aggressive shots was so forceful that it punched a hole in a wall at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium, leaving onlookers, including assistant coach Abhishek Nayak, in awe. The video of Kohli’s powerful strike quickly went viral on social media, further showcasing his readiness for the upcoming series.

See Also: Jos Buttler looks forward to McCullum's innovative approach in white-ball cricket

India currently leads the World Test Championship (WTC) standings with a points percentage of 68.52, and their upcoming series against Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Australia will be pivotal in maintaining their top position. With Kohli back in the squad and showing impressive form, expectations are high as India looks to solidify their dominance in Test cricket.

India squad: 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, Mohd. Siraj, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah, Yash Dayal.

Bangladesh squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (C), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Kumer Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Jaker Ali Anik

India's veteran spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin, is all set to resume his international season with the upcoming home Test matches against Bangladesh. With 516 wickets in his Test career, Ashwin has his eyes set on climbing the ladder of all-time wicket-takers. As he prepares for series against Bangladesh and New Zealand, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia looms on the horizon, where Ashwin aims to leave an indelible mark on cricket history.

Ashwin’s record-breaking ambitions in Bangladesh and beyond

Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India's greatest spinners, has been a consistent force in Test cricket, especially at home. Since 2021, Ashwin has taken 109 wickets in home Tests, far ahead of his closest competitor, Ravindra Jadeja, who has 56 wickets. With his total of 516 wickets in Test cricket, Ashwin is currently ninth on the all-time list of wicket-takers. He is closing in on legends like Courtney Walsh (519), Nathan Lyon (530), and Glenn McGrath (563), with the real possibility of surpassing Lyon's tally in the upcoming home series against Bangladesh and New Zealand.

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Home dominance and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Ashwin is not only looking to climb the all-time wicket-takers' list but is also gunning for another milestone at home. With 363 wickets in home Tests, he is chasing Stuart Broad’s record of 398 wickets in home conditions. If Ashwin maintains his stellar form, he could surpass Broad in 2024. Ashwin's recent performance against England, where he took 26 wickets in 5 matches, shows that he is in fine touch. The upcoming matches in Bangladesh and New Zealand will serve as a precursor to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, where Ashwin hopes to continue his dominance on Australian soil, where he has taken 39 wickets in 10 Tests.

With a strong support cast that includes Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Jadeja, and Axar Patel, Ashwin is poised for a stellar season ahead. The spinner is inching closer to securing his legacy as one of the greatest Test bowlers of all time, with the World Test Championship Final at Lord's as a possible crowning achievement.

Indian pacer Yash Dayal has experienced the highs and lows of cricket in the past two years, with his latest achievement marking a full-circle moment in his career. Dayal has been named in India's Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against Bangladesh, a significant milestone after an emotionally challenging IPL season in 2023. His journey to redemption is a story of perseverance, determination, and hard work, proving that setbacks are merely stepping stones to success.

IPL 2023 setback: Five sixes that shook Dayal’s world

Yash Dayal’s IPL 2023 experience with the Gujarat Titans will be remembered for an unfortunate event in a match against Kolkata Knight Riders, where Rinku Singh smashed five consecutive sixes off his over. This moment became one of the season's defining scenes, leaving the young bowler devastated. The pressure took its toll, not only on Dayal but also on his family. His mother reportedly fell ill and refused to eat after witnessing the public criticism directed at her son. For Dayal, it was an emotionally taxing period that could have easily ended his cricketing journey. However, instead of letting this moment define him, Dayal chose to rebuild himself both mentally and physically.

"Bhagwan downfall kitna bhi bura de par comeback Yash Dayal jaisa de"

From severe clinical depression in 2023 to making the Indian team in 2024 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ZvNN1Gc8PR

— Sameer Allana (@HitmanCricket) September 8, 2024

From getting hit for 5 sixes in an over in IPL to getting a call for the Indian team.

Yash Dayal has come a long way, hard work always pays off and times always change, what a story. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/cfARqCbrA0

— Vishal. (@SPORTYVISHAL) September 8, 2024

Domestic success and maiden India call-up

After taking some time away from the game to regroup, Dayal returned with a focused mindset, starting with the Duleep Trophy 2024, where his bowling performance impressed selectors. He continued his form into the IPL 2024 season, now representing Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), where he claimed 15 wickets in 14 matches, showcasing his newfound maturity and ability to handle pressure situations. This revival paved the way for his selection in India’s Test squad for the Bangladesh series, beginning on September 19. Fans have been quick to celebrate his comeback, acknowledging his incredible journey from being on the receiving end of five consecutive sixes to earning a place on the national team.

See Also: Rishabh Pant returns, BCCI announces first Test squad

As Dayal prepares to embark on his maiden Test series, he is a testament to resilience in the face of adversity. His inspiring journey reflects the power of perseverance, and as India’s home season kicks off, all eyes will be on Yash Dayal, ready to take his place on the international stage.

Team India: 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, Mohd. Siraj, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah, Yash Dayal.

India’s young wicketkeeper-batter, Dhruv Jurel, is poised to make his mark in the Indian Premier League 2024. The talented Rajasthan Royals player is transitioning to the white-ball format following a stellar debut for India in the Test series against England.

Stellar Performance in Test Series

During the recent Test series against England, Dhruv Jurel emerged as one of the standout performers. His pivotal contribution came in the fourth Test match at Ranchi, where he played a game-changing innings, scoring 90 runs in the first innings. This performance underscored his batting prowess and played a crucial role in India’s victory.

See Also: IPL 2024: Royal Challengers Bangalore best playing XI and impact player strategies

Idolizing MS Dhoni

Dhruv Jurel remains grounded despite his remarkable performance and acknowledges his cricketing idol, MS Dhoni. Speaking to India Today, Jurel expressed his admiration for Dhoni, stating that the former Indian captain has been his inspiration since the beginning of his career. However, he humbly remarked that emulating Dhoni’s achievements is daunting, emphasizing his desire to carve his path in cricket.

Prioritizing Test Cricket

While Dhruv Jurel is poised to make his mark in IPL 2024, he remains steadfast in his commitment to Test cricket. In an interview with India Today, Jurel revealed that Test matches hold a special place in his heart, and representing India in the most extended format of the game has always been his primary goal. Despite his childhood dream of playing 200 Test matches, Jurel acknowledged the practicality of such aspirations with a chuckle.

“Test matches are always my first priority. I was asked this when I was a kid and I said at the time that I wanted to play 200 Test matches. I realised later that 200 Tests is a lot (laughs),” Jurel told India Today.

IPL Journey: From Debut to Expectations

Having made his debut for Rajasthan Royals in the 2023 season of the IPL, Dhruv Jurel has already showcased glimpses of his talent in the T20 format. With 13 matches under his belt and a commendable strike rate, Jurel is expected to be one of the standout players for the franchise in IPL 2024. Cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate his performances and contributions to the team’s success.

When quizzed about his batting preferences, Dhruv Jurel revealed his fondness for facing fast bowlers. The pull shot is his favorite stroke, reflecting his confidence against pace. He also shared camaraderie with his teammates, highlighting Rinku Singh in Uttar Pradesh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Riyan Parag at Rajasthan Royals.