Hold onto your hats, Indian cricket fans! After a six-month hiatus, Team India is dusting off their white gear and gearing up for action under the guidance of the new head coach, Gautam Gambhir. The stage is set for an electrifying two-match Test series against Bangladesh, kicking off September 19 in Chennai. This series is India’s chance to rev up its engine and fortify its spot at the summit of the 2025 World Test Championship table.

The series will mark India’s first red-ball outing since their impressive 4-1 series win against England in March 2024. Meanwhile, Bangladesh are riding high, having just swept Pakistan off their feet in a historic series win. Mohammed Siraj is poised to lead the pace brigade, and Jasprit Bumrah will likely be rested for this series. Kuldeep Yadav will likely spin his magic alongside the all-rounders. The final pace spot is a hot ticket, with Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh battling it out, the latter on the verge of a Test debut. Mohammed Shami’s much-anticipated return might have to wait until the New Zealand series.

And here’s the big news: Rishabh Pant is expected to make a grand comeback to Test cricket after a whopping 634 days away, following an arduous recovery from a severe accident. Alongside him, watch for young wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel, who’s expected to join the squad. Srikar Bharat, India’s first-choice keeper against England before Jurel stole the spotlight, might be watching from the sidelines this time. Get ready for a cricketing fiesta that promises thrills, spills, and some severe spin and pace action!

In the latest episode of the Sledging Room Podcast, Akshay Ramesh, Saurabh Kumar, and Kingshuk Kusari discuss who is likely to make it to India's Test squad for the upcoming series against Bangladesh.

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Produced and sound mixed by Sachin Dwivedi