India vs Bangladesh: 1st Test, Preview- All eyes on Rohit Sharma to replicate South Africa performance

After exhibiting a spectacular performance in the three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, the Men in Blue return to the Test action by playing a two-match Test series against Bangladesh. Having won all five of their Test matches played so far, India will be looking forward to gaining an unassailable lead at the top position of the inaugural Test Championship. All eyes will be on India’s Rohit Sharma, who shattered many records against South Africa after making his debut a Test opener.

Sharma, while cementing his spot as a Test opener by the end of the SA series, guided India to their 11th consecutive series win in the longest format of the game. Ajinkya Rahane also proved his mettle by gathering crucial runs on the board in the Test series. Indian skipper Virat Kohli, who was rested for the T20I series against Bangladesh will also be marking his return to the international circuit.

On the other hand, Bangladesh will be devoid of one of their vital players- Shakib-Al-Hasan. Despite missing the services of Shakib, Bangladesh was able to stun India in the first T20I. Mominul Haque will be leading his side in Shakib’s absence. Bangladesh will also have to deal with Tamim Iqbal’s absence, who is on paternity leave.

In the longest format of the game, Bangladesh’s recent form with the red ball has been a concern as ‘The Tigers’ suffered a 224 run defeat against Afghanistan in September. Bangladesh bowlers will be tested against a formidable batting line-up of India. Bangladesh are expected to weave their bowling attack around pace and spin. Despite failing to leave a huge impact in the T20I series, Mustafizur Rahman will be leading Bangladesh’s bowling attack with the red ball.

After remaining undefeated in Tests this year, India have established itself as a dominant force in Test cricket. Moreover, India’s batting order has delivered performances on the home soil. The Virat Kohli-led side will be hoping to extend their unbeaten streak of 11 Test matches. It is certainly going to be an uphill task for Mominul Haque and Co to put India under pressure.

Team Combinations

India

After sweeping South Africa in Test series, India are doubtful to make any changes to their starting line-up. Although India are going to miss the services of Jasprit Bumrah, Virat Kohli and Co will be hoping to recreate a similar performance that they showcased against the dominant 3-0 Test series sweep against the Proteas.

Probable XI:

Mayank Agarwal, Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (C), Ajinkya Rahane, Ravindra Jadeja, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami

Bangladesh

Bangladesh are expected to encounter India with a challenging bowling lineup consisting of pace and spin. Mustafizur Rahman will be steering his side’s bowling line-up to provide crucial breakthroughs in the initial stages. Imrul Kayes, Liton Das, Mahmudullah, Mushfiqur Rahim and Mohammad Mithun are expected to bolster Bangladesh’s batting attack in the absence of Shakib and Tamim.

Probable XI:

Imrul Kayes, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque (C), Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Liton Das (wk), Mosaddek Hossain, Mehidy Hasan, Taijul Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Abu Jayed/Ebadat Hossain

Focus will be on

Rohit Sharma (India)

Rohit Sharma, who grabbed all the headlines after a majestic display against South Africa will be hoping to replicate his performance. Sharma smashed two tons and a double ton in the series to fix his spot as a Test opener for India. He will be supported by a strong batting attack comprising Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane. Cheteshwar Pujara, who failed to grab a hundred in the South Africa Test series will also be eager to bounce back to his best form.

Shadman Islam (Bangladesh)

In the absence of Shakib-Al-Hasan and Tamim Iqbal, youngster Shadman Islam is anticipated to leave his mark on the international stage. The left-hander had a decent start to his Test career, scoring 234 runs in four Tests at an average 33.4. He will be assisted by the duo Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah. Bangladesh’s main objective will be to scalp early wickets to derail a strong batting-line up of the hosts.

Head to Head

Matches – 9, India won – 7, Bangladesh won- 0, No Result-2

Stat Attack

3– Rohit Sharma has scored two tons and a double ton in his last three Test matches.

Broadcast Details

TV- Star Sports

Live Streaming- Hotstar

Match timings- 9:30 AM local time, 9:30 AM IST