Chennai: After a six-month break from Test cricket, Team India is all set to return to the longest format of the game, starting today. The next three and a half months are going to be crucial for India’s World Test Championship (WTC) campaign as they are scheduled to play a total of ten Test matches. Their first challenge comes from Bangladesh, who are riding high on confidence after a 2-0 series win against Pakistan.
However, India’s record at home is daunting for any visiting team. India has won the last 17 consecutive Test series on home soil, making it nearly 12 years since they last lost a Test series at home. In the past decade, India boasts a remarkable win-loss record of 40-4 on home turf, and Bangladesh is yet to claim a Test victory against India in the 13 matches played over the last decade.
Indian Batsmen Need to Step Up Against Spin
Despite India’s home dominance, the last few years have highlighted some vulnerability in the batting line-up, particularly against spin. Bangladesh has some of the best spinners in world cricket, with Shakib Al Hasan, Taijul Islam, and Mehdi Hasan Miraz leading the charge. These spinners are capable of troubling India’s batting, and the Indian batsmen, especially Virat Kohli, will need to raise their game.
Since 2021, Kohli’s average in 15 Test matches has dropped to 30, particularly struggling against spin bowling. Even Captain Rohit Sharma has seen a decline, managing an average of just 44 runs in 15 matches during the same period.
Meanwhile, KL Rahul, who has been praised by Rohit for his versatility, has a disappointing average of just 23.40 against spin in the last three years. On the brighter side, Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, and Yashasvi Jaiswal have performed well against spinners, giving India hope for better performances with the bat. Pant averages 70, Gill 56, and Jaiswal an impressive 115 against spin in recent matches.
Spin or Pace – A Dilemma for Team India’s Bowling Attack
India’s bowling line-up is packed with match-winners, with Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja almost certain to feature in the playing XI. The challenge for the team management is to decide whether to go with three pacers or opt for a third spinner, especially on the turning tracks of MA Chidambaram Stadium.
India has the option to field either Akashdeep or Yash Dayal as the third fast bowler. However, there’s also the option of bringing in Kuldeep Yadav as the third spinner, which has been India’s preferred strategy in home conditions. Another strong contender is Axar Patel, whose inclusion would strengthen India’s lower-order batting while also providing an additional spin option.
Gambhir’s First Test Series as Head Coach
This series marks Gautam Gambhir’s first Test series as India’s head coach. Under his leadership, India had a mixed start, winning the T20 series 3-0 against Sri Lanka but losing the ODI series 0-2. Gambhir will be eager to make a positive impact in the longest format, and a series win against Bangladesh would set the tone for India’s busy Test schedule over the next few months.
All eyes are on Team India as they prepare to take on Bangladesh in what promises to be a thrilling start to their Test season. With the World Test Championship in sight, every match will be crucial as India aims to maintain their dominance at home.
