India are set to host Bangladesh for a two-match Test series starting September 19, 2024. This series is shaping up to be an intriguing contest, with both teams featuring a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents eager to make an impact. As the cricketing world watches closely, several players stand out as potential game-changers. Yashasvi Jaiswal, with his explosive batting, and Litton Das, fresh off a record-breaking performance, are sure to draw attention. Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant’s return adds excitement, while the all-round brilliance of Ravindra Jadeja and the spin threat of Mehidy Hasan Miraz will be pivotal.

These players are poised to play key roles in what promises to be a captivating series.

1. Yashasvi Jaiswal: The Rising Star

Yashasvi Jaiswal has quickly become one of the most talked-about young talents in world cricket. The 22-year-old opener has already made a significant impact in his short Test career, playing nine matches and amassing 1,028 runs.

With an average of 68.5, including four centuries and two half-centuries, Jaiswal has shown that he is more than capable of handling the pressures of international cricket.

Jaiswal’s technique is sound, and his temperament is impressive for someone so young. His ability to build innings and accelerate when needed makes him a key player for India at the top of the order. The world has taken note of his potential, and this series against Bangladesh could be another stepping stone in his burgeoning career.

With pitches in India expected to be batting-friendly, Jaiswal could have another prolific series and further solidify his place in the Indian Test side.

2. Litton Das: The Late Bloomer

Litton Das has been a crucial part of Bangladesh’s middle order for several years, but it is only recently that he has started to fulfil his potential. In the recent series against Pakistan, Litton was outstanding, scoring a century that helped Bangladesh secure a memorable victory. Often considered the “flower that never blossomed,” Litton seems to be finding his groove at the international level.

With 43 Test matches under his belt, Litton has scored 2,655 runs at an average of 34.93, including 17 half-centuries and four centuries.

His ability to play both pace and spin with ease makes him a vital cog in Bangladesh’s batting lineup. In the upcoming series against India, Litton will need to be at his best to counter India’s potent bowling attack. If he can carry his form from the Pakistan series into this one, he could be the difference-maker for Bangladesh.

3. Mehidy Hasan Miraz: The Spin Maestro

Mehidy Hasan Miraz has established himself as one of Bangladesh’s premier spinners, and his performances in the 2022 series against India were a testament to his skill. In that series, Mehidy was a constant threat to the Indian batters, picking up crucial wickets and playing a vital role with the bat as well. His ability to contribute in both departments makes him a valuable asset for Bangladesh.

In his 44 Test matches, Mehidy has taken 147 wickets at an average of 33.41. He has also shown his prowess with the bat, often providing crucial runs in the lower order. His recent performance against Pakistan, where he was named Player of the Series, further highlights his importance to the team. Mehidy’s ability to exploit subcontinental conditions will be crucial in the upcoming series, and India will need to be wary of his threat.

4. Hasan Mahmud: The Emerging Pace Sensation

Hasan Mahmud is one of the newest faces in Bangladesh’s Test squad, having made his debut earlier this year. However, he has already shown that he has what it takes to succeed at the highest level. In ODIs, Hasan has been exceptional, taking 30 wickets in 22 matches, including a recent five-wicket haul against Pakistan.

Hasan’s pace and ability to move the ball make him a dangerous bowler, especially in conditions that offer some assistance to the seamers. While he is still relatively inexperienced in Test cricket, his performances in the limited-overs formats suggest that he could be a key player for Bangladesh in the future. In the upcoming series against India, Hasan will have the opportunity to prove his worth in the longest format of the game.

5. Rishabh Pant: The X-Factor

Rishabh Pant’s return to Test cricket is one of the most anticipated events in Indian cricket. After a long layoff due to a severe accident in 2022, Pant is back in the squad and ready to make his mark once again. Known for his aggressive batting style and match-winning abilities, Pant has the potential to change the course of a game in a matter of minutes.

Pant has played 33 Test matches, scoring 2,271 runs at an average of 43.7, including five centuries and 11 half-centuries. His fearless approach and ability to take on any bowling attack make him a crucial player for India, especially in the middle order. However, Pant is also under pressure to retain his spot, as Dhruv Jurel has been knocking on the door with impressive performances in the recent series against England. This competition for the wicketkeeper-batsman spot could bring out the best in Pant, making him a player to watch in the upcoming series.

6. Sarfaraz Khan: The Domestic Dynamo

Sarfaraz Khan has been a revelation in domestic cricket, earning him the nickname “The Don Bradman of First-Class Cricket” due to his staggering average. After years of consistent performances in the domestic circuit, Sarfaraz finally got his chance in the Indian Test team, and he has not disappointed. In his debut series against England, Sarfaraz made an immediate impact, scoring three half-centuries in five innings.

The 26-year-old right-hander is tipped to be the next VVS Laxman, particularly for his ability to rescue the team in challenging situations. Batting at number six, Sarfaraz’s role will be crucial in providing stability to the Indian middle order. With a strong temperament and a solid technique, Sarfaraz is poised to become a regular feature in the Indian Test team, and the series against Bangladesh could be another stepping stone in his career.

7. Ravindra Jadeja: The All-Round Veteran

Ravindra Jadeja has been a mainstay in the Indian cricket team for over a decade, known for his all-round abilities and match-winning performances. Recently, Jadeja announced his retirement from T20 Internationals to focus on the longer formats, and this series against Bangladesh will be an opportunity for him to reaffirm his value in the Test team.

Jadeja has played 72 Test matches, scoring 3036  runs at an average of 36.18 and taking 294 wickets at an average of 24.1. In the last Test series before this one, Jadeja scored a century, highlighting his capabilities with the bat. With the Indian middle order in transition, Jadeja’s experience will be crucial, especially if Kohli and Pant are not firing on all cylinders. His all-round ability, particularly in Indian conditions, makes him a vital player in the upcoming series against Bangladesh.

As India prepares to take on Bangladesh, these seven players will undoubtedly play crucial roles in determining the outcome of the series. Whether it’s the emerging talents of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sarfaraz Khan, the comeback story of Rishabh Pant, or the all-round capabilities of Ravindra Jadeja, the series promises to be an exciting showcase of skill and determination. For Bangladesh, players like Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Hasan Mahmud will need to be at their best to challenge the Indian team on their home turf. This series is not just a battle between two teams but a stage for these players to showcase their talents and further cement their legacies in the world of cricket.