Dinesh Karthik, an ex-wicket-keeper of India held the view that he did not think Bangladesh would be able to put up much of a fight for India in the next two match Test series. The first match for this year’s Test season would be a two-match face off between Bangladesh and India that is to start on September 19.
The ongoing series between India and Bangladesh marks the first time since November 2019 they have hosted such a match following their memorable Pink Ball Test then. In their last two away matches, Bangladesh came away with victories against Pakistan which has boosted their confidence going into these matches. However facing India in India will come as a bigger test than any other opponent.Analysis based on recent data from Bangladesh shows they are capable of performing well even against very strong teams like India led by Najmul Hossain Shanto.
“Personally I do not think Bangladesh can give tough time for India”. Karthik remarked during a Cricbuzz video. “Beating India in its own backyard is what I consider Herculean task,” he added, “and although Bangladesh has shown glimpses of brilliance playing against Pakistan I don’t believe they will pose too many problems for them”.
The series starts on September 19, which also brings back key players like wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who’s playing Test cricket again after almost 20 months through a serious car accident. Rohit Sharma will lead the side, while star players Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah are also part of the squad. Furthermore, Akash Deep has been included in the team while young pacer Yash Dayal received his first call up.
Bangladesh has been historically at the receiving end in Test matches against India. Since 2000, there have been 13 matches between both countries with India winning 11 times and Bangladesh losing all the games. The only other two draws were under Habibul Bashar’s leadership in 2007 and Mushfiqur Rahim’s leadership in 2015.
In December 2022, Bangladesh came close to defeating India for one of their chances. The game was excitingly fought out in Mirpur where Bangladesh was defending 145 runs when they got India down to 74 for seven with Mehidy Hasan Miraz taking five wickets. However Shreyas Iyer and Ravichandran Ashwin who played for India sealed the match with a partnership of 71 runs for which they are praised as amazing win-makers by many people.
