The stage is set for the first Test between India and Bangladesh, beginning tomorrow in Chennai. India, one of the most formidable teams in Test cricket, will put their impressive home record to the test against a resurgent Bangladesh side, eager to create history. While India have not played a Test in over six months, this match marks the beginning of a packed schedule, with ten Tests lined up over the next few months.
For Bangladesh, this series presents another opportunity to achieve a first. Despite their poor record in India, where they have suffered heavy defeats in all three of their previous Tests, Bangladesh come into the series on a high. In recent times, they have toppled giants like New Zealand and Pakistan, claiming historic victories. However, beating India at home is a different challenge altogether.
India’s dominance on Home Soil
India’s home dominance in Tests is well-documented. Over the last decade, they have lost only four home Tests and remain undefeated in a series on home turf for nearly 12 years. India currently top the World Test Championship (WTC) table with a 68.52% win percentage, and they are widely expected to secure a spot in the final next year.
However, the Indian team has been on a break from red-ball cricket, and several key players are making a return after an extended absence. Virat Kohli last played a Test in January, while wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant, recovering from a car accident, is set to make his Test comeback. Despite these factors, India are the favourites to maintain their home winning streak.
Bangladesh’s recent surge in form
Bangladesh, though traditionally poor travellers in Test cricket, have turned a corner in recent years. Their victory over New Zealand in 2022 and their first-ever away series win against Pakistan last month have boosted their confidence. In fact, four of Bangladesh’s eight overseas Test wins have come since 2021. The team is riding high on momentum, and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto’s men will be looking to catch India off guard.
The Bangladeshi spin trio of Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shakib Al Hasan, and Taijul Islam will be key, especially on a Chennai pitch expected to favour spinners as the game progresses.
Players to watch: Rishabh Pant and Mehidy Hasan Miraz
Rishabh Pant’s return to the Test side is one of the biggest talking points. The wicketkeeper-batsman has been in scintillating form in the format, boasting an average close to 44 with five centuries to his name. After proving his fitness in domestic cricket, Pant will be eager to make his mark once again in the longest format.
For Bangladesh, all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz has been a standout performer, leading the team in both runs and wickets during the current WTC cycle. On a spin-friendly Chennai track, Mehidy’s role could prove decisive in determining Bangladesh’s chances.
Team Selection and Conditions: India vs Bangladesh 1st Test
India are likely to field a combination of three spinners and two quicks, with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj handling the fast-bowling duties. Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav are expected to be the spinners. KL Rahul is also expected to make his return to the middle order.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, might consider adding Taijul Islam to their bowling attack alongside Shakib and Mehidy to exploit the spin-friendly conditions. Their pace attack, which shone in their series win against Pakistan, could also play a crucial role.
Historic opportunity for Bangladesh
India undoubtedly start as the favourites, but Bangladesh have proven time and again that they are capable of pulling off surprises. With India’s recent rustiness in Test cricket and Bangladesh’s newfound confidence, this series could provide thrilling cricketing action.
India’s impressive home record will face a tough challenge from a team eager to make history. The first Test in Chennai promises to be a fascinating contest as Bangladesh seek to claim their first-ever win over India in the longest format.
