India’s dominance at home is well-established, but Bangladesh is a team that thrives on breaking new ground. As the two sides prepare for a two-match Test series, Bangladesh aims to add another first to their growing list of achievements.
Bangladesh has never defeated India in a Test match, but they have shown remarkable progress in recent years. In 2022, they secured their first Test win against New Zealand and Pakistan, and they are eager to continue their upward trajectory.
India, on the other hand, is a formidable opponent. They are ranked number one in the World Test Championship standings and have not lost a Test series at home in nearly 12 years. However, they are coming off a break from the format and have several players returning from injury.
The key matchup in this series will be between India’s batters and Bangladesh’s spinners. India’s top order has shown vulnerability against quality spin bowling, and Bangladesh boasts three talented spinners in Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shakib Al Hasan, and Taijul Islam.
Mehidy, in particular, has been in excellent form, contributing with both bat and ball in Bangladesh’s recent series win in Pakistan. He will be looking to make a statement on a Chennai track that is expected to favor spin.
India is likely to field three spinners in response, with R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav leading the attack. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj are expected to lead the fast bowling unit.
Bangladesh is unlikely to make significant changes to their winning team from the second Test in Pakistan. They may consider bringing Taijul into the mix alongside Shakib and Mehidy to strengthen their spin attack.
The Chennai pitch is expected to provide bounce and carry for both quicks and spinners, but the surface is likely to break under the intense heat. This will mean the spinners should come into play as the Test goes on.
India will be looking to extend their unbeaten home Test series streak to 18, while Bangladesh will be determined to create history by securing their first Test win against their formidable opponents.
