The international season for the Indian cricket team will commence after a rare break with a two Test series against Bangladesh at home beginning on September 19. So far, India has played against Bangladesh in eight Test series out of which it has won seven and one match ended in a draw. However, the Bangladesh team has never defeated India in this format. They will be confident to give their opponents a tough fight this time around thanks to their victory over Pakistan.
And that is what former captain Sunil Gavaskar has predicted although he believes that Rohit Sharma and Co will win the two-match series. “Going to Pakistan and beating them is never easy, so congratulations to the (Bangladesh) players. But India will be totally different, India are a powerhouse anywhere; their batting is particularly strong,” said Ganguly during an event.
Thus, this will be Bangladesh’s third Test series tour of India in its history. The earlier two visits yielded 0-1 (2016-17) and 0-2 (2019-20) series losses respectively and while Ganguly believes that home team continue its clean slate, he acknowledges that Najmul Hossain Shanto’s side should come out all guns blazing.
“I don’t see Bangladesh winning; India will win the series. But India must expect good and tough cricket from Bangladesh because they are coming into the series with a lot of confidence after beating Pakistan in Pakistan,” Ganguly said.
The test series will include a number of regular players from India like Jasprit Bumrah who has made a comeback to international cricket after a lengthy absence. He was last seen during the 2024 T20 World Cup that India had won by defeating South Africa in the final match. The series will also witness Rishabh Pant’s return to Test cricket shortly after he played for the first time at World Cup.
These two games form part of ICC World Test Championship where India is presently leading while Bangladesh is fourth following their wins over Pakistan
