Beginning on September 19, Bangladesh will embark on a two-match Test series in India. Green Park in Kanpur will host the second game of the series, with the first taking place in MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. However, facing India at home is a another story. The Najmul Hossain Shanto-led team will be reasonably confident after winning a historic Test series in Pakistan.
Notably, in Test cricket, Bangladesh has never triumphed over India. After playing 13 games, they have lost 11 of them and drawn in the other two. Bangladesh lost all three of the Test matches that they played in India. This time around, they are also under a great deal of strain. They will be expecting to maintain the momentum against India as well, though, given that they have recently defied the odds. Which three players will be most important to them in their quest? Now let’s determine:
1. Shakib Al Hasan
Shakib Al Hasan, a former captain of Bangladesh, is ranked first because he understands what it takes to defeat India at home. Although he hasn’t played well in the series against Pakistan, a player of his calibre is always a threat. The 37-year-old can pose a serious threat to India because he has played numerous games and is familiar with the playing environment on the Indian subcontinent.
Throughout his career, the all-rounder has participated in eight Test matches against India. At a 26.85 average, he has amassed 376 runs, and in 21 wickets taken with the ball. Given his advanced age, Shakib may be playing his final trip of India; he would like to end it with a victory for Bangladesh.
He is going to be really important to the team. Because he has played a lot of IPL cricket, he has had the opportunity to face players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul, among others, and is familiar with their flaws. As the circumstances will also benefit him, Shakib feels that this is his once in a lifetime opportunity.
2. Mehidy Hasan Miraz
Mehidy Hasan Miraz, an all-rounder, is maybe Bangladesh’s top cricket player right now. The 26-year-old scored 77 runs in the first innings of the recent series against Pakistan and claimed five wickets in the opening game. He scored 78 runs in the second game and formed an important alliance with Litton that gave the squad a boost. In the first innings, he claimed five wickets as well, assisting Bangladesh in holding the hosts to just 274 runs in Rawalpindi.
In recent times, the right-handed all-round player has been absolutely crucial for the national squad. The cricket player has played 45 Test matches for Bangladesh so far, amassing 1625 runs and 174 wickets. Given the favourable conditions in India, Miraz will be looking to assist Bangladesh in winning their maiden Test match against the neighbouring nation.
Mehidy has, however, faced India in five Test matches during his career. He has scored 188 runs at a dismal 18.80 average. In the format, he has also claimed 14 wickets while batting against India.
3. Litton Das
Against Pakistan, Litton Das recently played the opening innings of the second Test, scoring an incredible 138 runs. At one point, the visitors were down to 26/6 and needed a miracle to get out of the situation. Litton gave a masterclass at that point. After taking some time to calm down, he gave Bangladesh one of his best innings to save the squad from defeat.
In the opening Test match against Pakistan, the 29-year-old also scored fifty runs. He is playing well, and the squad will need him in the forthcoming visit against India. The cricket player also discussed accepting responsibility before that. As a senior member of the team today, the cricketer pointed out that he needs to shoulder greater accountability for leading his side to victory in Test matches.
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Litton has participated in five Test matches against India in the interim. He has a half-century and 265 runs at an average of 37.85. This time, the task will be challenging because both pitches will favour spinners, and India has players who can excel in such circumstances, including Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.
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