India is gearing up to kick off a significant home Test season with a two-match series against Bangladesh, commencing on September 19, 2024. The first Test will be held at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, a venue renowned for its traditionally spin-friendly pitches. This series marks India's return to Test cricket after a hiatus of six months, with their last Test outing having taken place at the picturesque HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala in March under the leadership of Rohit Sharma.
India enters this series with a robust home record, having won 40 out of 44 home Tests over the past decade. However, recent cracks in their formidable performance, particularly in the form of star batter Virat Kohli, could present opportunities for the visiting team. Bangladesh, who have yet to secure a Test victory against India, have previously lost 11 of the 13 Tests played between the two sides, with the remaining two matches ending in draws. Despite this history, Bangladesh is coming off a confident 2–0 series win against Pakistan and will be looking to break their winless streak against the Indian team.
The Chennai Test will be played on a red-soil pitch, which is traditionally favorable to pace bowlers, although recent modifications have introduced new variables. The pitch is being prepared with a light covering of grass, which may provide some assistance to both fast bowlers and spinners. Historically, Chennai's pitches have favored spin bowlers, but the black-soil pitch used in a 2021 Test saw significant assistance for spinners, with local star Ravichandran Ashwin and a century from Rohit Sharma playing pivotal roles in leveling the series against England. The current pitch preparation suggests that the early days of the match may offer bounce and carry for pacers, with spin likely becoming a factor as the match progresses.
India's team selection for the Test is a point of interest. The management faces a critical decision on whether to include a third spinner, Kuldeep Yadav, or a third pacer, Akash Deep or Yash Dayal. The core of the Indian lineup will feature Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja. The final spot in the playing XI will hinge on the pitch conditions and the team's strategy for the match.
Bangladesh will aim to capitalize on their recent form, relying on key players such as Nahid Rana and Mehidy Hasan Raza, who have been in strong form following their series against Pakistan. The team will be captained by Najmul Hossain Shanto and will feature experienced players like Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, and Mushfiqur Rahim. Bangladesh’s focus will be on challenging the Indian team and making an impact on their home turf.
Weather conditions in Chennai are expected to be mostly favorable for cricket. The forecast indicates mostly clear skies for the first Test, with daytime temperatures reaching up to 35°C and dropping to around 28°C at night. There is a 23% chance of rain on the opening day, with light winds blowing at 10-15 km/h and humidity levels remaining below 77%. The weather for September 21 is forecasted to be mostly cloudy with warm temperatures around 36°C and a 25% chance of rain. Conditions should improve in the following days, with clear skies and temperatures around 34°C on September 22 and 33°C on the final day, September 23, with only a 13% chance of rain.
As India aims to secure a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final, this series against Bangladesh will be crucial. The outcome of the matches will not only influence the standings in the WTC but also set the tone for India's Test campaign going forward.
India’s 1st Test Squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant (Wicket-keeper), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Md. Siraj, Akash Deep, Yash Dayal.
Bangladesh Squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Shadman Islam, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim (Wicket-keeper), Litton Kumer Das (wk), Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Jaker Ali Anik.
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