New Delhi [India], September 18 (ANI): Former cricketer Parthiv Patel has expressed that Bangladesh’s spin maestros, Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, will face a challenging task in dismissing India’s batters in the upcoming Test series, which begins this Thursday.

In their recent 2-0 defeat in the ODI series against Sri Lanka, India’s batting lineup struggled significantly against the Lankan spinners. Star players such as Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, and Virat Kohli fell prey to the crafty bowling of Jeffrey Vandersay and Dunith Wellalage. This defeat has heightened concerns about India’s ability to handle high-quality spin bowling.

The upcoming series against Bangladesh will see Indian batters, still recovering from their recent setback, square off against Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz. These two spinners are expected to be a significant threat, especially on pitches that are likely to favor spin. However, Parthiv Patel, a cricket expert with JioCinema and Sports18, is skeptical about the ease with which the Bangladeshi duo might operate if the pitch does not offer them much assistance.

“It is very hard to judge Indian batters based on one series. Yes, they struggled against Sri Lanka, but it was a different format where the white ball demands a more aggressive approach. Shakib and Mehidy are undoubtedly skilled bowlers, but they will have to put in considerable effort to outplay these Indian batters,” Parthiv stated during a media conference.

He further emphasized the quality of India’s batting lineup, particularly in Test cricket. “All of our batters have proven their mettle against top-tier spinners. Without significant help from the pitch, I don’t foresee Shakib and Mehidy troubling them much.”

Adding context to the challenge ahead for Bangladesh, during their historic Test series win over Pakistan, Mehidy Hasan emerged as the leading wicket-taker, claiming 10 wickets in two Tests at an average of 18.60. Shakib Al Hasan also contributed with five wickets at an average of 38.40. These statistics underline their capability but also set the stage for a gripping contest given India’s prowess.

The highly anticipated Test series will commence on Thursday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, with the second Test scheduled to take place in Kanpur starting September 27.

India’s squad for this series includes key players like Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), R Ashwin, R Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah, and Yash Dayal.

Bangladesh will field a competitive squad led by Najmul Hossain Shanto (C), featuring players such as Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Kumer Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, Syed Khaled Ahmed, and Jaker Ali Anik.

As both teams gear up for what promises to be an exciting series, all eyes will be on how effectively Bangladesh’s spinners can counter India’s seasoned batting lineup.