Bangladesh vs. India: Test Series Preview

Virat Kohli begins his full time captaincy in tests against Bangladesh. Image: ZeeNews India

 With a cricketing season that has been studded with some eye catching series in whites between the English and the Kiwis, and the undergoing contest between the Aussies and the West Indians, the one-off Test contest between India and Bangladesh is not the one which might create that much of a buzz in the cricketing world. However, the first series for the Indians after the World Cup and the upbeat Bangladeshi side after beating Pakistan 3-0 in the ODI series, there will be a few things if not much to look out for.

As far as the Indian camp is concerned, after the retirement of MS Dhoni in the longest format, mid way between the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Series in December 2014, a new era awaits with Virat Kohli initiating his stint as a full fledged Indian test Captain. Taking a glance at the squad that has been put together, it remains pretty much the same as for the last test series India played Down Under in Australia, except for Mohammed Shami being ruled out due to an injury, and the omission of Suresh Raina as well as Ravindra Jadeja.

Amongst everything, the player who will keep the most eyes skinned out for him, will be the come back man Harbhajan Singh. While there are many conjectures and speculations being drawn about his inclusion in the side after being sidelined for almost two years, he will look out to translate his terrific form in the recently concluded IPL, to the test format. Having taken more than 400 wickets in this format, it would be a perfect opportunity for the senior pro to go out there and show that there is still much cricket left in him. 

Will this prove to be a resurrection in Harbhajan Singh's career? Image:Getty Images

Advancing towards the batting order, Shikhar Dhawan who had a great outing at the World Cup, but seemed to be at sea during the Tests in Australia, would be looking to cement his place at the top of the order with Murali Vijay who had a contrastingly terrific summer Down Under with the red ball. Even for Cheteshwar Pujara it has been time since he tasted success after a dismal series both in England and Australia, and this would be the perfect time for him to practice and get back to good touch with his bat. 

While Ajinkya Rahane and Virat Kohli will solidify the middle order and Rohit Sharma who is likely to get a chance, Wriddhiman Saha will need to give in his best with the bat to allow himself to be a regular feature in the Test side. Replacing MS Dhoni behind the stumps, his talent and skill with the gloves is one of the finest but some runs under the belt will place him in a secure position in terms of keeping competitors like Naman Ojha at bay. 

Among the fast bowling options that India possess are Umesh Yadav, Varun Aaron, Ishant Sharma and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. It would be interesting to see who is roped in the playing XI. Ishant Sharma and Kumar, both come after recovering from slight injuries they fell prey to, during their stay in Australia for the World Cup, would be eager to be in the playing team frame. With spin and turn on the cards, Ashwin's inclusion is completely plausible, while a choice is expected to be made between Karn Sharma and Harbhajan Singh. 

Well at least on paper it is unlikely that Bangladesh could deny India a victory since India is sending a full-strength squad, but  they would  fancy their chances. After making it to the World Cup quarters and washing out Pakistan three -nil in the ODI series they would be high on confidence, however the two tests versus Pakistan has completely exposed their weak links and loop holes. 

Can Rubel Hossian turn the tables with his bowling?

The prime concern  for them is  their lack of bowlers who can take 20 wickets, which is the most important key to decode the test format. Bowlers like Rubel Hossain do not fail to tick in the talent criteria, but it is the fitness problems that have seemed to ruin their chances. Taking for example speedster Shadat Hossain, who bowled merely two balls before walking off the field due to an injury in the second test against Bangladesh. The new talent Mohammad Shahid ,would also make it a point to add more wicket taking potential with his fast bowling along with their strike bowler Rubel. 

The Bangladesh team abound in the number of spin options, headed by all rounder Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudulla. In the form of Taijul Islam, who made his mark in the international arena with figures of 8/39 in only his third test and also grabbed a hat-trick on his ODI debut, the Bangladeshi side have a yet another great spin option. With the news of Mushfiqur Rahim spraining a finger in his right hand in the third test against Pakistan in April, Litton Das is expected to keep the wickets in all probabilities. The indication of this was received when Das was seen practicing behind the stumps, before batting in the nets, in a recent training session, while Rahim only batted out in the nets. 

Bangladesh star batsman Tamim Iqbal is expected to be joined by Imrul Kayes to form the opening pair. While much of the batting relies on them Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das, Mominul Haque and Mushfiqur Rahim are expected to play a pivotal role in the middle and late middle order. All rounder,  Young Nasir Hossain can prove to be a great asset with his batting which can change gears when required, accurate off-break bowling, and most importantly his spot on fielding which is rare among players in this side.

Captain Mushfiqur Rahim might not keep wickets due to injuries. 

Whilst, this concludes majorly the squad strength of both the camps, the issues between both the countries post the World Cup, which arose due to Bangladesh opposing some umpiring decisions during the quarter finals against India which they lost, Virat Kohli says that there are no grudges from their side. "We had issues in the past but we have moved ahead. We are finished with the World Cup and played a lot of cricket since then. So I don't think there will be any remembrance or memory of that.We are going there to play and win a Test match and that's our primary focus. There won't be any grudges or ill feelings about the opposition. It's pure and simple professionalism," Kohli said.

Playing at home, with a passionate and exuberant crowd support and that too against India, the Bangla Tigers will believe to have an advantage but will it be great enough to dismantle the superior quality of Kohli & Co? This is to be watched out for. The Test begins on 10th June, 2015 and will be played at Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium at Fathulla. 

Footnote: Indian Batsman KL Rahul is to miss out on the test due to illness as stated by BCCI. No replacement has been called for.