No KL Rahul or Axar Patel in my India playing XI against Bangladesh: Brad Hogg

No KL Rahul or Axar Patel in my India playing XI against Bangladesh- Brad Hogg (Source X/Twitter)

Former Australia spinner Brad Hogg left out in-form all-rounder Axar Patel and experienced batter KL Rahul while predicting India’s playing XI for the first Test against Bangladesh, starting on Thursday, September 19. Notably, the first Test will be played at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

On Sunday, September 8, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a 16-man squad for the first Test in the two-match series against Bangladesh. Yash Dayal earned a maiden Test call-up, while Rishabh Pant returned to the Test setup after almost 21 months. Hogg, made some interesting choices while naming his probable playing XI for India against the Bangla Tigers.

“The XI that I am going to the first Test match against Bangladesh for India – Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma open the batting. Gill three, Kohli at 4, and Jadeja coming at five just to keep that left-handed right-hand combination going. Sarfaraz Khan, Pant and then you’re into the bowlers, where you’ve got Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj, and Bumrah,” Hogg said on his YouTube channel.

Also Read: ‘It took me two years to get India call again’ – Yash Dayal reflects on his cricketing journey

“That team will go pretty well down in Australia as well. So, they’ve got to start warming up for the Australian summer. India, so this will be a good start for them. No KL Rahul or Axar Patel in my playing XI,” he added.

After slaying Pakistan, can Tigers tame India?

Bangladesh will be arriving in India brimming with confidence after registering a first-ever series win against Pakistan in their own backyard. Najmul Hossain Shanto’s men won both Tests to win the series 2-0.

Also Read: ‘Now is the time to take responsibility’ – Litton Das ahead of marquee India tour

However, India are a different kettle of fish altogether as they are leading the World Test Championship (WTC) points table and have plenty of experience and depth in their squad. Bangladesh will have to show a lot of grit and determination to one-up India but they certainly have the players to give the hosts a run for their money.