Following a month-long hiatus after their ODI series finale against Sri Lanka in Colombo on August 7, the Indian cricket team is gearing up for a new challenge. The players are coming together once again to prepare for a two-match Test series against Bangladesh. This series marks the team’s return to competitive cricket, as they focus on fine-tuning their skills and strategies for the upcoming matches. The break has provided valuable time for rest and preparation ahead of this crucial series.
Pragyan Ojha Adviced Team India Ahead of the Test Series:
Before the two-Test series begins, former Indian spinner Pragyan Ojha has cautioned Rohit Sharma’s team not to underestimate Bangladesh. Ojha believes the Najmul Hossain Shanto-led side is showing significant improvement and warns that India could face a tough challenge. He suggests that the upcoming red-ball matches will be competitive, especially with Bangladesh performing well and playing on their home turf.
He said, “ They are a sub-continent team and have good spinners. If you see, Mehidy Hassan has become the man of the tournament (in a 2-0 win over Pakistan). The way he performed, he is a good batsman and a good spinner. Plus, Shakib is also there, so it won’t be that easy. It will be tricky as to how the Indian team will play against them on a particular pitch.”
He added, “ I won’t say that Bangladesh will challenge them; I will say that it will be a good fight. The way Bangladesh has defeated Pakistan in their home, they are moving in the right direction. When they come here, it will be a good series.”
He believes the upcoming games will give Indian players a chance to build momentum ahead of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy, starting on November 22 in Perth. These matches will serve as crucial preparation for the team as they gear up for the prestigious series.
He further said, “ The biggest thing is, the guys wishing to make a name for themselves—the way they will perform here, they will get in for the Australia series. We know that Australia has not won the Border Gavaskar Trophy twice at home, and they would want to get that thing right. So, this series of India against Bangladesh will build momentum for India. It’s a very important series, and I don’t think the team should take it lightly.”
India Will Face Bangladesh for the Test Series:
The first Test of the series is set to begin at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on September 19. Following this, the teams will head to Kanpur, where the second Test is scheduled to start on September 27 at Green Park Stadium. This series promises to offer exciting cricketing action, with the venues known for their distinct playing conditions and passionate crowds. Both matches will provide a critical opportunity for the teams to showcase their skills and adapt to different environments as they compete in this anticipated Test series.
Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Telegram and Instagram
