Chennai has a deep appreciation for big games and cricket history, evident throughout the newly renovated M.A. Chidambaram Stadium. This includes the press conference room, now adorned with framed newspaper reports of famous Tests played there. However, Bangladesh is not yet featured among these historic moments.
Since welcoming Bangladesh to Test cricket in 2000, India has not extended much of a warm reception. It took 17 years for India to host Bangladesh for a Test match. The games between the two teams have rarely been considered high-profile, either as events or rivalries, despite the intensity in white-ball contests and online banter.
India’s dominance is clear, having won 11 of the 13 encounters, with the remaining two matches being washed out.
Both teams share a similar early Test journey narrative, struggling to secure consistent overseas victories. Bangladesh has progressed more swiftly in this regard and might be nearing a pivotal moment in their Test history following two significant wins in Pakistan.
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Their reward is a daunting challenge: India’s home Test record is formidable, with 17 consecutive series wins and only four losses at home in the last 11 years. Chennai will be only Bangladesh’s fourth Test venue in India.
These overwhelming statistics might suggest that Bangladesh has little chance of success in the series. Yet, starting from such a position can sometimes be advantageous, fostering resolve and uncovering hidden strengths.
Over the next two weeks, every aspect of Bangladesh’s game will be tested: their techniques will face rigorous examination, and their endurance will be challenged through long, grueling days.
If this young team can rise to the occasion and potentially surprise India in the season opener, they could make a significant leap in Test cricket. It’s an opportunity with nothing to lose, a chance to make a name for themselves, possibly even earning a place on the walls of the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium’s press conference room.
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When: India vs Bangladesh, 1st Test, September 19-23, 09:30 IST, 04:00 GMT
Where: M.A Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
What to Expect: The wicket is composed of straw-colored red soil with a layer of grass, likely intended to stabilize the surface. It is expected to provide a good bounce. However, due to the high temperatures forecasted for Chennai this week, the pitch may deteriorate and start offering assistance to spinners sooner than usual.
Team News:
India
In their previous Test series against Bangladesh on home soil, India employed a pace-heavy attack. The surface in Chennai may allow India to field only Ashwin and Jadeja as their spinners. However, to manage their pace bowlers throughout the home season, they are likely to stick with a 2-3 pace combination, with Kuldeep Yadav extending his streak of consecutive Tests to five. India might also rotate between Bumrah and Siraj, ensuring one experienced pacer is available while the other rests. KL Rahul is expected to be chosen over Sarfaraz Khan for the middle order, despite Sarfaraz being one of the two Indian batters to utilize the optional practice session before the game.
Probable XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep/Mohammed Siraj
Bangladesh
The visitors face a similar decision regarding their bowling combination, given their two spin-bowling all-rounders. They used three seamers in Pakistan, but with conditions in Chennai expected to favor spin more than in Rawalpindi, Taijul Islam is a strong contender for selection. There is also consideration for introducing Mahmudul Hasan Joy at the top of the order to break the sequence of left-handers, but such a change might disrupt a winning formula and is likely to be avoided.
Probable XI: Shadman Islam, Zakir Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana
Did You Know?
- If India wins the Chennai Test, it will mark the first time in their history that they have more wins than defeats in Test cricket.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal is just seven sixes away from breaking Brendon McCullum’s record for the most sixes (33) in a calendar year in Test matches.
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz leads Bangladesh in this WTC cycle with the highest run aggregate (380 runs at an average of 47.5) and the most wickets (23 at an average of 28.0).
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What They Said:
“It’s not easy when you haven’t played Test cricket for six to eight months. Fortunately, many players in the squad have experience with this situation. We’ve had a preparatory camp in Chennai, and players who haven’t had much Test exposure participated in the Duleep Trophy, which has been beneficial. In terms of preparation and readiness, I believe we are well-prepared for this game and the challenges ahead.” – Rohit Sharma on India’s readiness for the 10-Test series over the next three and a half months.
“I think this is probably the most well-rounded team Bangladesh has produced during my two tenures. We have a balanced side with strong fast bowlers, an experienced spin attack, and solid batting depth. This balance gives us confidence that we can be competitive in this series.” – Chandika Hathurusingha on why Bangladesh is poised to compete in Test cricket’s toughest assignment.
