Published By: Sanchari Das

India's Path to Test Cricket History Begins with Bangladesh Showdown

India's next ten tests in the current World Test Championship (WTC) cycle are crucial for qualification to the final

As Rohit Sharma & co. embark on the final stretch of the 2023-25 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, their focus sharpens on maintaining their No. 1 position. A two-test series against Bangladesh, beginning on September 19 in Chennai, sets the stage. If India clinches victory in the first test, they will achieve a historic feat for the first time in Indian cricket history, their number of test wins will surpass losses. With a tied record of 178 wins and 178 losses from 579 tests, this moment promises to be a game-changer.

Defining the WTC journey

India's following ten tests in the current WTC cycle are crucial for qualification to the final. Besides the two tests against Bangladesh, they face New Zealand at home and Australia away in a five-match Border-Gavaskar series. Securing victories is essential for finishing in the top two, qualifying them for the final at Lord's in June 2025. By maintaining their current form, India can solidify their spot, continuing the momentum that began with their top-ranking success. A win in the first test against Bangladesh could set the tone for the entire series.

Virat Kohli's milestones in sight

Virat Kohli, one of India's most celebrated batters, is nearing a significant milestone in his career. With 8,848 runs in 113 tests, Kohli needs just 152 more runs to join an elite club of Indian batters with over 9,000 test runs. He would become the fourth Indian to achieve this feat after Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar. Additionally, Kohli is on the verge of completing 27,000 runs across formats, needing only 58 runs to surpass Tendulkar's record for the quickest to that mark. It's another race against time, and the Bangladesh series could be where history is written.

Rohit Sharma eyes six-hitting and century milestones

India's captain, Rohit Sharma, is also on the verge of breaking records. With 84 sixes in test cricket, Rohit needs just seven more to surpass Virender Sehwag's record of 90 sixes, which is the most by an Indian batter in tests. Rohit also has a chance to become the first Indian to hit 100 sixes in test cricket, adding to his reputation as one of the game's most destructive openers. Furthermore, with 48 international centuries to his name, Sharma is just two hundred away from joining Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli in the prestigious 50-century club.

Ravindra Jadeja's all-round excellence

All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is on the brink of achieving another significant landmark. With 3,036 runs and 294 wickets in tests, Jadeja needs just six more to complete the coveted double of 3,000 runs and 300 wickets. Only two Indian all-rounders, Kapil Dev and Ravichandran Ashwin, have previously achieved this feat. Additionally, Jadeja is poised to become the third left-arm spinner in cricket history to claim 300 test wickets, joining Rangana Herath, Daniel Vettori, and Derek Underwood in this elite club.

Records awaiting Bangladesh's stars

Bangladesh, too, has milestones awaiting its key players. Veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim is just 108 runs away from becoming the first Bangladeshi to score 6,000 test runs. Meanwhile, left-arm spinner Taijul Islam is on the verge of completing 200 wickets. After Shakib Al Hasan, Taijul would become the only Bangladeshi bowler to beat Shakib Al Hasan. These goals add extra flavour to the upcoming series as both teams look to etch their names into cricketing history.

India's quest for a positive record

If India wins the first test, it will mark a new chapter in their cricketing history, with wins finally outnumbering losses in their test record. After dominating Bangladesh in their last five encounters, the team looks to extend their winning streak. India's position in the WTC table and the individual records at stake make this series much more than just another chapter in a cricket rivalry. It's also about rewriting history and achieving unprecedented success.