Team India is gearing up to take on Bangladesh in an upcoming two-match Test series, starting from September 19 in Chennai. This will be India’s first appearance since winning the T20 World Cup 2024, having last played against Sri Lanka in a white-ball series over a month ago. The series against Bangladesh also marks India’s return to Test cricket after a six-month break since their five-match Test series against England earlier this year. However, as the highly-anticipated series approaches, India has been dealt a significant setback with the news that batter Suryakumar Yadav has sustained a hand injury.
Suryakumar Yadav, renowned for his explosive performances in T20Is, has only played one Test match in his career so far but was eyeing a comeback to the longest format for India. He was actively participating in the ongoing Buchi Babu tournament for Mumbai and was also named in the squad for the upcoming Duleep Trophy, scheduled to begin on September 5. Unfortunately, Surya’s plans took a hit when he injured his hand during a Buchi Babu tournament match against Tamil Nadu in Coimbatore. According to a report by ESPN Cricinfo, the injury occurred while Suryakumar was fielding.
Currently, there is no clear update on whether Suryakumar will be fit to participate in the Duleep Trophy, and his availability for the Test series against Bangladesh remains uncertain. This development is a significant blow to the Indian side, as Surya had recently expressed his ambition to secure a spot in the Indian Test team. He made his Test debut in February 2023 against Australia and has been eager to establish himself in the longer format.
“There are a lot of people who have worked really hard to earn their place, and I also want to earn that spot again. I made my debut for India in Tests, but then I got injured. Many others received opportunities and have performed well, so they deserve those chances right now,” Suryakumar said in an interview quoted by the ICC.
India’s preparations for the Test series against Bangladesh now face added uncertainty with Suryakumar’s injury. While he has been a key figure in India’s limited-overs setup, his potential impact in Test cricket remains largely unexplored. The team management will be closely monitoring his recovery process, as his return to fitness could provide a much-needed boost to the Indian batting lineup. As the team heads into the series, fans and selectors alike will be hopeful for Surya’s swift recovery, while also looking forward to seeing how India performs in the longest format after a considerable break.
