Even for a visiting team on a winning spree, Indian conditions are utterly unforgiving. Bangladesh would do an astounding level of injustice to them if they came with a mindset that having beaten Pakistan just across the border would help them in their battle against India, who have called all the big guns back into the squad. That being said, the victories against Pakistan were not by fluke, Bangladesh deserved every ounce of that triumph. However, winning so much as just one match against the men in blue would require Bangladesh to be far more strict in their approach and hope for the best to happen for them.
India currently sit at the top of the World Test Championship (WTC) table. This is quite something given the fact that they last played a Test match back in March. If India make it to the WTC final this time, which they are very likely, this will be their third time doing so. Following the two-Test match series against Bangladesh, they have a three-match Test series with New Zealand at home as well, followed by a five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. They still have five games at home to further strengthen their case but all that would require them to do what they usually do with the visiting teams, this with more grit and discipline.
Team Overview:
Bangladesh players are in some form currently. Having played wonderful cricket across two Test matches in Pakistan, their rhythm could help them in their gigantic task of dominating India. To get the maximum out of the Chennai pitch, Bangladesh might field a three-spinners strong attack with Shakib Al-Hasan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Taijul Islam. This would leave them with only two fast bowlers. If reports really are true and the Chepauk pitch will be red-soil based; this could pose a little problem for the Bangladesh team in the event they need to bowl during the first or two-ish days when the pitch will be bouncier.
India will likely play a stronger middle-order with KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant followed by Ravindra Jadeja at number 7. Pant will obviously keep the wickets too. On his return to Test cricket after a few months less than two years, India would hope he does well against Bangladesh so that they can heave a sigh of relief without worrying about the middle order for their next two series. Virat Kohli has been incredibly out of form since the start of this year. He averages something shy of 20 across formats this year and his willow churning out runs is equally important for the team.
Head-to-Head Matches:
Bangladesh has never beaten India in the 13 Test matches both teams have played against each other. Barring 2 Test games that ended in a draw, the remaining have been won by India.
Weather and Pitch Report:
Chepauk is a heaven for spinners. Even though this time we will see an abundance of red soil on the pitch, the Chennai weather will wear the pitch down as the match progresses, making it a pure rank-turner. There is no forecast of rain in Chennai throughout the game, but the weather will not exactly be pleasant to play with the sun forecasted to be unforgivingly intense.
Where to Watch:
You can watch the first Test match between India and Bangladesh using the following:
India: Sports 18 Network, JioCineme App (Live Streaming)
Bangladesh: T Sports, Rabbithole (Live Streaming)
UK: Discovery+ (Live Streaming)
Pakistan: Tapmad
