Fourth Test – India v England – JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi, India – February 25, 2024 India’s Rohit Sharma in action REUTERS/Amit Dave

India’s cricket team, under the astute leadership of Rohit Sharma, is gearing up for a crucial two-match home series against Bangladesh starting Thursday in Chennai. A clean sweep in this series will solidify India’s position at the pinnacle of the World Test Championship (WTC) standings. However, Sharma’s squad remains vigilant to avoid any hint of complacency.

Bangladesh, captained by the dynamic Najmul Hossain Shanto, enters the series on a high note following their historic 2-0 series victory over Pakistan, a team they had never defeated in Test cricket before. This triumph has undoubtedly boosted their morale, but facing India will be a significantly more formidable challenge.

Historically, India has dominated Bangladesh in Test cricket, winning 11 out of their 13 previous encounters, with the remaining two matches ending in draws. Notably, India has not lost a home Test series since 2012, underscoring their dominance on home soil.

Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir emphasized the team’s balanced approach, stating, “I have been a big believer that we don’t fear anyone but we respect everyone. I congratulate Bangladesh for what they did in Pakistan, but this is a new series, and they are a quality side. We want to play good cricket.”

India aims to reach the WTC final for the third consecutive time and is focused on making a strong start to their season. Their schedule includes three home Tests against New Zealand and five against Australia. The team’s preparations have been bolstered by the return of wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who has made a remarkable recovery after a severe car accident in December 2022.

While Pant’s return is highly anticipated, Dhruv Jurel, who showcased his talent in the home series against England earlier this year, will have to wait for his opportunity. Gambhir remarked, “Jurel is a phenomenal player, but when Pant is coming in, sometimes people have to wait.”

India’s bowling attack will miss the services of Mohammed Shami due to his recovery from ankle surgery. Nevertheless, Bangladesh’s batters will have to contend with the cunning and skill of Jasprit Bumrah and the lively pace of Mohammed Siraj.

For Shanto and his team, this series will present an entirely different challenge. Accustomed to playing with the Kookaburra ball, they will need to adapt to the SG ball with its pronounced seam used in India.

Chandika Hathurusinghe, Bangladesh’s head coach, expressed confidence in his team’s ability to maintain their performance against India. Reflecting on their success in Pakistan, Hathurusinghe said, “It certainly gives us a lot of confidence coming into this series. Not just because of the outcome but the way we played that series gives us a lot of belief for this one.”

This eagerly anticipated series promises to be an exciting contest as both teams strive to showcase their best cricket.