India and Bangladesh will clash in the first Test of a two-match series starting on September 19, 2024, at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. This series is crucial for both teams, especially with India looking to solidify their position at the top of the World Test Championship (WTC) standings. On the other hand, Bangladesh will seek to continue their recent good form, coming off a historic 2-0 series win against Pakistan.
Match Preview
The Men in Blue enter the series as heavy favourites, especially with home advantage. The Indian team will be keen to capitalize on their spin-friendly conditions and have been training rigorously in Chennai. In recent practice sessions, key players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah have shown solid form. At the same time, new talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sarfaraz Khan are ready to show their potential again.
Bangladesh's tour represents an opportunity to prove they can compete against top-tier opposition in Tests, particularly away from home. Their recent performances, including the sweep against Pakistan, have boosted their confidence. However, facing India in India is always a challenging task.
Team News
India has called upon a full-strength squad, with most players in good form. Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Rishabh Pant are likely to be the backbone of the batting order. In the bowling department, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav can shape a potent spin trio's capabilities. Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, who lead the pace attack, can empower the trio. With India's depth in all areas, the challenge will be deciding the final XI, particularly with Axar Patel also vying for a spot in the spin attack.
Bangladesh will be without their star pacer, Shoriful Islam, who misses out due to injury, but they have included four fast bowlers in the squad to provide some pace variation. Their top order will be spearheaded by Litton Das, Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan and veteran Mushfiqur Rahim. At the same time, the bowling attack will be led by fast bowler Taskin Ahmed and spinners Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam.
Weather and Pitch Conditions
Chennai's conditions are expected to be hot and humid, which is common during this time of year. The pitch at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium is known for assisting spinners as the game progresses. While the first couple of days might offer some bounce and movement for the pacers, expect the spinners to dominate from Day 3 onwards. Weather reports suggest there is a chance of occasional showers, but overall, the match is expected to proceed without significant interruptions.
Probable Playing XIs
India:
- Rohit Sharma (c)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Virat Kohli
- Shubman Gill
- Rishabh Pant (wk)
- KL Rahul
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Ravichandran Ashwin
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammed Siraj
Bangladesh:
- Litton Das
- Najmul Hossain Shanto (C)
- Mushfiqur Rahim (wk)
- Mominul Haque
- Shakib Al Hasan
- Jaker Ali
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz
- Taijul Islam
- Nahid Rana
- Taskin Ahmed
- Khaled Ahmed
Key Players
India:
Virat Kohli: Kohli's form is always a focal point for India in Test matches. With a solid track record against Bangladesh, including two centuries, Kohli is expected to anchor India's middle order. His experience and adaptability will be key, especially if early wickets fall.
Jasprit Bumrah: India's pace spearhead is returning to home Test matches after battling injuries. His ability to strike with the new ball and reverse swing in the later stages of the innings makes him a crucial player.
Ravichandran Ashwin: Chennai is Ashwin's home ground, and he thrives in conditions that offer spin. His vast experience, coupled with his ability to exploit the turning tracks in India, makes him a leading player in India's bowling lineup.
Bangladesh:
Litton Das: He has been in remarkable form in recent years, and his scoring ability is essential for Bangladesh's success. Litton will need to anchor the innings and ensure Bangladesh doesn't collapse against India's potent bowling attack.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz: As Bangladesh's primary spinner, Mehidy's role will be pivotal in turning the tracks. He has troubled Indian batters and will look to replicate that success in this series.
Mushfiqur Rahim: The veteran wicketkeeper-batter is a reliable force in Bangladesh's middle order. His experience against high-quality bowling will be key in stabilizing Bangladesh's batting, especially under pressure.
Match Winner Prediction
Given the conditions, India's familiarity with home pitches, and their balanced squad, they are the clear favourites to win this Test. India's bowling attack, featuring both world-class pacers and spinners, should be able to dismantle Bangladesh's batting order, which is often vulnerable under pressure. However, Bangladesh's recent form, including their impressive series victory against Pakistan, cannot be underestimated. A strong showing by their bowlers could keep them competitive. Ultimately, India's depth in batting and bowling gives them a significant edge, and they are expected to take a 1-0 lead in the series.