3 reasons why India picking Yash Dayal for 1st Test vs Bangladesh is the right move
Yash Dayal has been named in India’s squad for the first Test against Bangladesh, which begins on September 19 in Chennai. The 26-year-old left-arm pacer has earned his maiden call-up to the national Test side, which is a clear indication of his growing stature.
Dayal's selection comes at a time when India is looking to strengthen its fast-bowling reserves, especially with key players like Mohammed Shami unavailable due to injury.
Yash Dayal’s rise through the ranks has been nothing short of remarkable. Despite facing tough moments in his IPL career, he has bounced back stronger.
His solid performances in domestic cricket and a standout 2024 IPL season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), have made him a player to watch. With Jasprit Bumrah leading the pace attack, Dayal's inclusion adds a new dimension to India's bowling options.
Here are three reasons why selecting Yash Dayal for the first Test against Bangladesh is a smart move.
#3 Impressive first-class record
Yash Dayal’s domestic record speaks volumes about his potential. Since making his first-class debut in 2018, he has played 24 matches and claimed 76 wickets at an impressive average of 28.89.
His ability to consistently take wickets in red-ball cricket shows that he is more than capable of handling the demands of the Test format.
In the 2024 Duleep Trophy, Dayal’s performance for India B against India A was particularly remarkable. He picked up four wickets across two innings, displaying his ability to trouble batters with pace and movement.
This consistency in domestic cricket makes him a reliable option, and his inclusion in the squad is a result of his strong record.
#2 Resilience and mental toughness
One of the key factors making Yash Dayal’s selection the right choice is his resilience and recent form. Despite a challenging IPL 2023 season, where he was at the receiving end of a record five consecutive sixes from Rinku Singh, Dayal did not let this setback define him.
Instead, he bounced back in the 2024 IPL season with a stellar performance for RCB, claiming 15 wickets in 14 matches. This ability to recover from adversity shows the mental toughness needed for the international stage.
His strong IPL showing, combined with his proven ability in domestic cricket, makes Dayal a valuable addition to India’s Test squad. His selection for the Bangladesh series is not just about filling a spot but also about rewarding his hard work and commitment.
#1 Adds variety with left-arm pace
India’s pace attack, traditionally led by right-arm seamers, could benefit greatly from the variation that a left-arm bowler like Yash Dayal offers. Left-arm fast bowlers have the ability to create different angles and trouble batters in unique ways, which is something the Indian attack has been missing in recent years.
With Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj likely to lead the pace unit, Dayal’s left-arm seam will add a new dimension. His ability to swing the ball both ways and generate bounce could prove crucial on Indian pitches, especially against a Bangladesh side that has struggled against quality pace bowling in the past.
With the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy in sight as well, grooming a talented left-arm seamer in the attack will be crucial for a successful series.
India’s decision to include Yash Dayal in the squad for the first Test against Bangladesh is a move that reflects both his recent form and long-term potential.
With Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj already in the squad, Dayal’s inclusion adds balance and depth to India’s fast-bowling options. As the two-match Test series approaches, all eyes will be on Dayal to see if he can replicate his domestic success on the international stage.