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Indian middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer returned for domestic season opener, Round 1 of Duleep Trophy 2024-25. The star batter, who led the India D, amassed 64 runs during both his innings in match against India C at the Rural Development trust Stadium in Anantapur, however his side ended on the losing side by four-wicket margin.
Although he got dismissed cheaply after scoring only nine runs off 16 deliveries in the first innings, he then went up to notch 44-ball 54, but failed to take his side to victory. Despite his crucial knock, which was supported by Devdutt Padikkal (56) and Ricky Bhui (44), he failed to get into the squad for the upcoming first Test against Bangladesh, which is set to commence from September 19 in Chennai.
It was necessary for me to show intent: Shreyas Iyer
Speaking after his side’s four-wicket defeat, Shreyas Iyer spoke of “intent”, which has been going viral after he failed to make it to the side for the opening Test in the upcoming tour. “It was necessary for me to show intent because their bowlers were bowling great, in the right areas and the ball was seaming as well. I just wanted to take the attack and see if we could get a decent total on board. When the ball got old, it was stopping a bit. I wanted to capitalise on my intent, but ya, I would take that fifty any day,” Shreyas Iyer said after India D’s defeat against India C.
Rishabh Pant to return to Test cricket vs Bangladesh; Shreyas Iyer, Mohammed Shami miss out
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Sunday, September 8 named India’s 16-member squad for the opening Test against Bangladesh. While Rishabh Pant’s return was one of the key noticeable changes in the side, who returns after 20-long months, it also featured senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah.
However, there were a few surprise exclusions in form of Mohammed Shami, who’s return in Indian colours is awaited after he last feature in the ODI World Cup 2023. Shreyas Iyer also missed out despite displaying his intent in the first round of Duleep Trophy 2024-25. Yash Dayal, who came into limelight after he was hit for five back-to-back sixes, was also named in the side.
India’s squad for first Test vs Bangladesh
Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (wk), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah, Yash Dayal.
