Published By: Sayan Guha

Discovering India’s 3 Big Challenges to Avoid a Setback Against Bangladesh

Are we about to witness another surprise from Bangladesh, or will India rise to the occasion and remind everyone why they’re still the kings of home turf?

After a well-deserved vacation, Rohit Sharma and his team are back on the pitch, preparing for a vital two-test series against Bangladesh, which begins at Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium on September 19. India may be the favourites at home, but Bangladesh, fresh from a spectacular 2-0 series victory in Pakistan, isn't here to play nice. So, what stands between India and a straightforward win? Here are three hurdles India must overcome to prevent mistakes.

The spin challenge: Mehidy Hasan Miraz's all-round threat

Bangladesh's hidden weapon? Mehidy Hasan Miraz. And let me tell you, he's not someone you want to overlook, especially on an Indian pitch. Chepauk, a popular spin destination, might become Mehidy's playground if India does not play wisely.

Let's run some numbers. In just five matches against India, Mehidy has bowled 157.5 overs, taken 14 wickets, and produced his best statistics of 5/63. In his 45-Test career, he has taken 174 wickets—pretty impressive, right?

He's adept with both the ball and the bat. In the exact five matches against India, he has 188 runs and a best score of 51. With a Test century to his record and steady runs at number eight (he's scored 697 runs at an average of 32 in the previous 25 innings), he's the epitome of an all-rounder.

Remember India's recent issue with spin? India's finest batters haven't had an easy time since 2021. Virat Kohli's average against spin has dropped from 58.65 to 29.6, with seven dismissals in 12 innings. KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma have not performed much better.

Spinners have taken 198 Indian wickets at home in the previous five years, up from 138 between 2001 and 2005, when India faced spin luminaries like Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan. That is concerning, to say the least!

So, will India's batters finally conquer their spin demons, or will Mehidy have them dancing to his tune?

Form of key players: KL Rahul & Virat Kohli

KL Rahul's home test form has been more of a cliffhanger than an action film. We've seen flashes of greatness, but his last Test century on Indian soil was in 2016, when he struck 199 against England. Since then, he has achieved centuries abroad but none in India. It's been a long wait, and supporters are hopeful his bat will light up Chennai with a huge one. His overall average has dropped, particularly against spin. That's another challenge India must tackle.

So, what about Virat Kohli? Kohli is great but has not scored a Test century since July 2023. His past five Test innings have been a mixed bag, with his highest score of 76 and no hundred yet. He's been getting starts but hasn't been able to turn them into huge knocks. Will we witness the old Kohli who once crushed bowlers, or will his form continue to plague him?

Bangladesh's bowlers are confident, so Kohli and Rahul must step up if India's batting is to prosper.

Will Rishabh Pant reclaim his red-ball form?

It has been nothing short of a miracle that Pant has returned to cricket after a terrifying automobile accident in December 2022 that left him fearing for his life. He's back after nearly two years, and the major issue is whether he can recapture his form in red-ball cricket.

Before his tragedy, Pant was a game-changer for India in Tests. In only 33 matches, he scored 2,271 runs at an average of 43, including five centuries and 11 fifties. His match-winning knock of 89 not out at the Gabba in 2021 remains vivid in our thoughts. But it happened two years ago. Will Pant establish a groove in this series?

With the added responsibility of wicketkeeping and batting at number six, Pant's comeback may be India's X-factor. His aggressive style might be just what India needs to shake up Bangladesh's bowling assault.