IND vs BAN 2024: Sarfaraz Khan unlikely to play for India in Chennai Test - Here's Why

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India is gearing up for the two-match Test series against Bangladesh, set to start from September 19.

Team India is currently on top of the World Test Championship (WTC) points table. And if they secure a decent result against Bangladesh, Rohit Sharma's men will advance closer to the third consecutive WTC final qualification.

BCCI named a strong squad for the first match in Chennai. Although a 16-member squad has been announced, team India has already released one player from the camp in Chennai.

India vs Bangladesh: Sarfaraz Khan called for Duleep Trophy

The Indian team is currently in Chennai for the pre-series camp, but Sarfaraz Khan has been left out as the batter was included for the Duleep Trophy 2nd Round matches. The Mumbai batter was part of the first match, representing India B in the tournament. He scored 55 runs across two innings as India B managed a victory over India A.

Although the 26-year-old was chosen for the first Test, it looks like KL Rahul will get the nod ahead of Sarfaraz for the clash at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Sarfaraz will now travel to Anantapur for the Duleep Trophy match, slated to start on September 12. Although the match will end four days before the start of the first match, Sarfaraz's departure from team India camp indicates his omission from the encounter.

Sarfaraz made his India debut earlier this year against England. The talented player has so far scored 200 runs in three matches, with a healthy average of 50. Along with that, he has also scored 3 fifties, all coming against England.

Rohit Sharma is set to lead the team, without any Vice-Captain as his deputy was not named for the match. India will be aiming to secure a series win, which have often been the case against Bangladesh.

But the Tigers are coming to India with form on their back. Najmul Hossain Shanto's men recently defeated Pakistan in their own backyard, thus etching a new chapter in their cricket history. Although India will be a far steeper challenge, the hosts can't get complacent.