India vs Bangladesh 2019: India’s predicted playing 11 for first Test

All-rounder: Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja has improved his batting in Tests significantly over the last year, and batted at number six in the South Africa series. Since his unbeaten 86 against England at The Oval last September, he has scored 100 not out against West Indies at Rajkot, and has half-centuries in Australia and West Indies. Against the Proteas, he made 91 at Pune and 51 at Ranchi. He had a good run with the ball as well, finishing with 13 wickets in three Tests.

Ravichandran Ashwin should occupy the main spinner’s slot and spearhead India's bowling lineup. He had a seven-for at Visakhapatnam, and four-for at Pune. He did not have much to do at Ranchi as the pacers ran riot.

Wicket-keeper: Wriddhiman Saha

Wriddhiman Saha

With Rishabh Pant failing in West Indies, India decided to hand the gloves back to the experienced Wriddhiman Saha for the Tests against South Africa. And, Saha was extremely impressive behind the stumps, bringing all his expertise into play. India are likely to continue with Saha as the first-choice wicket-keeper as Pant continues his struggles. Saha though will need to improve his performance with the bat, as he hasn’t been getting a lot of runs of late.

Bowlers: Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Shami

Mohammed Shami

Left-arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem made an impressive Test debut at Ranchi, but is not part of the squad for the current series. Though Kuldeep Yadav has been chosen in the 15, India are likely to go in with three pacers, considering the true nature of the pitch. Ishant Sharma, who was rested at Ranchi, should make his way back in the playing 11. The fast bowler bowled reasonably against South Africa but picked up only two wickets.

Mohammed Shami was brilliant, running through South Africa in the second innings at Visakhapatnam, and then again claiming important wickets at Ranchi. Umesh Yadav was a revelation on his comeback, finishing with 11 wickets in two Tests.