India squad for Bangladesh Test: Mukund makes a comeback, Saha chosen over Parthiv

Photo: PTI

New Delhi: Opener Abhinav Mukund made a comeback into the Indian Test side after almost 6 years and the debate between Parthiv Patel and Wriddhiman Saha was settled as the fit-again Bengal keeper was chosen as the keeper batsman. The selection committee headed by chairman MSK Prasad announced a 16-memebr squad for the one-off Test against Bangladesh starting from February 9.

The selection committee meeting was delayed by six hours after the new Committee of Administrators (COA) barred joint secretary Amitabh Chaudhary from convening it.

Numerous phone calls and emails were exchanged after which BCCI CEO Rahul Johri convened the meeting.

Back to selection, MSK Prasad had earlier said that Saha is their first choice as the keeper batsman and on Tuesday the selection committee kept its promise by naming Saha in the 16-member squad after he had proven his fitness with an attacking double century in the Irani Cup. 

Tamil Nadu captain Abhinav Mukund was named in the squad as the third opener as out of form opener Shikhar Dhawan did not find a place in the side. Mukund, who last played a Test match for India in 2011 against England, was rewarded for consistent performance in the Ranji Trophy. Mukund notched up over 700 runs in the recently concluded season.

Middle order batsman Ajinkya Rahane and off spinner Jayant Yadav made a comeback into side after recovering from their injuries. 

As expected Kohli was named the captain of the side while Rahul, Vijay, Pujara, Jadeja and Ashwin were automatic choices. 

It will be interesting to see who takes the No. 5 position as triple centurion Karun Nair will pose a tough challenge to senior statesman Rahane. 

All rounder Hardik Pandya also found a place in the side as a seam bowling option as Mohammad Shami failed to regain his fitness.  

Umesh Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Ishant Sharma picked themselves as fast bowlers.

Indian squad: Virat Kohli (captain), Murali Vijay, K L Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, AJinkya Rahane, Karun Nair, Wriddhiman Saha (Wk), R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Jayant Yadav, Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Abhinav Mukund, Amit Mishra.