Bangladesh challenges India’s strong home dominance in the first Chennai Test

The stage is ready 1st test between India and BangladeshStarting tomorrow in Chennai, India, one of the strongest teams in Test cricket, will put their impressive home record to the test against a Bangladesh side eager to create history. Although India have not played a Test in over six months, this match marks the start of a busy schedule, with ten Test matches scheduled over the next few months.

For Bangladesh, this series is another chance to win the title for the first time. Despite their poor record in India, where they have suffered heavy defeats in all three of their last Test matches, Bangladesh will go into the series with a better performance. In recent times, they have registered historic victories by defeating big teams like New Zealand and Pakistan. However, beating India in their home is a different challenge.

India’s dominance on home soil

India’s home dominance in Tests is well known. In the last decade, they have lost only four home Test matches and are undefeated in any series at home for almost 12 years. India currently top the World Test Championship (WTC) table with a win percentage of 68.52%, and are widely expected to make it to the final next year.

However, the Indian team is on a break from red-ball cricket and several key players are making a comeback after a long time. Virat Kohli last played a Test in January, while wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant is recovering from a car accident and is set to make a Test comeback. Despite these factors, India are the favorites to continue their home winning streak.

Bangladesh’s recent form has picked up

Bangladesh, though traditionally a poor overseas team in Test cricket, has taken a new turn in recent years. Their victory over New Zealand in 2022 and their first overseas 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 in rhythm and captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto’s side will look to stun India.

The Bangladeshi spin trio of Mehdi Hasan Miraz, Shakib Al Hasan and Taijul Islam will be crucial, especially on the Chennai pitch which is expected to assist the spinners as the game progresses.

Players to watch: Rishabh Pant and Mehdi Hasan Miraz

Rishabh Pant’s return to the Test team is the biggest talking point. The wicketkeeper-batsman has been in great form in the format, scoring five centuries at an average of close to 44. Having proven his fitness in domestic cricket, Pant will be eager to make his mark in the longer format once again.

For Bangladesh, all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz has performed brilliantly, leading the team in terms of both runs and wickets during the ongoing World Test Championship. On a spin-friendly Chennai pitch, Mehidy’s role could prove decisive in determining Bangladesh’s chances.

Team Selection and Conditions: India vs Bangladesh 1st Test

India may take the field with a combination of three spinners and two fast bowlers, with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj handling the fast bowling responsibilities. Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav are expected to be the spinners. KL Rahul is also expected to return to the middle order.

On the other hand, Bangladesh may consider including Taijul Islam along with Shakib and Mehidy in their bowling attack to take advantage of the spin-friendly conditions. Their fast bowling attack, which shone in the series win against Pakistan, can also play an important role.

Historic opportunity for Bangladesh

India undoubtedly start as favourites, but Bangladesh have proven time and again that they are capable of surprising. With India’s recent sluggishness in Test cricket and Bangladesh’s newfound confidence, this series could provide exciting cricket action.

India’s impressive home record will face a tough challenge from a team eager to create history. The first Test in Chennai is expected to be a thrilling contest as Bangladesh will look to register their first win over India in the longer format.