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The Indian men's cricket team selection committee, led by chairman Ajit Agarkar, is reportedly considering including a left-arm pacer for Team India's home Test series against Bangladesh. The two sub-continent sides are scheduled to play a two-match Test series in September as part of the 2023-25 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
Given the Indian team's hectic schedule, which includes a home series against New Zealand and the crucial Border-Gavaskar series against Australia away from home, Jasprit Bumrah is likely to be rested.
Furthermore, with Mohammed Shami returning from a lengthy injury layoff and not partaking in the upcoming Duleep Trophy, the team needs pace bowling options apart from Mohammed Siraj.
According to a report by PTI, the selectors view the Bangladesh series as an ideal opportunity to introduce and hone a left-arm pacer in red-ball cricket. Team India tried out veteran Jaydev Unadkat on sporadic occasions, but with a plethora of left-arm options available for the first time in a while, the selectors are likely to choose a youngster.
Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, and Yash Dayal are in contention to make it to the squad and potentially make their debut. Team India have other right-arm pacers in the pipeline like Mukesh Kumar and Prasidh Krishna, who have been used in the past as well.
There might be place for only one seamer along with Siraj, given that the series is being held in spin-friendly conditions.
Arshdeep Singh, an established member of the national white-ball setup, had a stint with Kent in the County Championship, and has played 16 first-class matches in total.
Khaleel Ahmed and Yash Dayal have played 12 and 23 first-class games, respectively, in their career so far. Both seamers had a prolific 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) season for their franchises. Particularly known for their ability to swing the new ball, they will be seen in action in the upcoming Duleep Trophy, which could serve as the audition.
"Someone like Khaleel Ahmed I think could find himself on the Test tour" - Ricky Ponting recently predicted the Indian left-arm pacer's potential red-ball rise
Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting had recently suggested Khaleel Ahmed's inclusion in the Indian red-ball setup for the Border-Gavaskar series. He has worked closely with the left-arm seamer during his stint as head coach of the Delhi Capitals (DC).
"Someone like Khaleel Ahmed I think could find himself on the Test tour. A left-armer would be ideal for them to have in their touring squad," Ponting had said on ICC Review.
The home series against Bangladesh is scheduled to begin from September 19 onwards.
