Published By: Sayan Guha

Will Hasan Mahmud Pull a Todd Murphy? India's Struggles Continue Against Fresh Faces

Facing a new bowler is tricky enough, but India's woes against unfamiliar bowlers seem never-ending. Could Hasan Mahmud be the next to haunt them?

The opening session of the India-Bangladesh first test had everyone on edge. Hasan Mahmud, a promising young bowler, delivered the heat from the outset, putting India's top order in turmoil. First to go? None other than captain Rohit Sharma. A thick edge from Mahmud's crisp delivery crashed into Najmul Hossain Shanto's capable hands at second slip. Rohit, dismissed for just six runs, was as perplexed as one might anticipate when facing a bowler for the first time.

Before India could recover, Mahmud attacked again, this time targeting Shubman Gill. Gill, who usually is so cool, managed just a slight inside edge, delivering the ball straight to Litton Das. Gill scores a duck while Mahmud takes his second wicket. It's the type of situation that makes you wonder, "Why do Indian batters always struggle against new faces?"

Mahmud took Virat Kohli's prized wicket as if that weren't enough. Yes, Kohli was dismissed for only six runs on his return to Test cricket. A frustrated drive, another edge, and Litton Das took care of the rest. Rohit's response in the dugout says it all: sheer shock. India struggled with three wickets down, courtesy of Mahmud's utter speed and accuracy.

A pattern of struggles: New bowlers, same story

Let us be honest. India has a history of suffering against first-time bowlers. Remember Todd Murphy? The vibrant spinner made his impact last year during Australia's Border-Gavaskar series, grabbing seven wickets in the first innings in Nagpur. Despite scoring 400 runs, India was left scratching their heads at Murphy's brilliant spin.

Todd Murphy (2023)

When Australia toured India in 2023 for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, it wasn't seasoned veterans like Nathan Lyon that caused the biggest problems. Instead, it was Todd Murphy. Murphy's off-spin utterly perplexed Indian batters in Nagpur when he made his debut. He took seven wickets in the first innings, including Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara. 

For a brief period, you could hear the collective moan of Indian fans who have witnessed this before. Despite Murphy's outstanding spell, Australia suffered a crushing defeat, but the young spinner's performance was the talk of the series.

Jason Krejza (2008)

Rewind to 2008 in Nagpur, where Australia's Jason Krejza had an unforgettable debut. His off-break bowling resulted in an astonishing 12 wickets, the most by any spinner on debut against India.

Krejza was not especially quick or threatening, but his excellent usage of flight and turn had Indian batters in a spin—literally. Although India finally won the match, Krejza made a solid first impression, leaving the Indian camp noticeably concerned.

Naimur Rahman Durjoy (2000)

Naimur Rahman Durjoy ensured that Bangladesh's maiden Test match in 2000 was memorable for him. His off-spin took six Indian wickets in the first innings, including significant stars Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly.

India won the game before Naimur's spell caused them to sweat. Bangladesh's inaugural Test was momentous in many respects, as Durjoy's performance set a pattern for new bowlers to devastate India.

Ajantha Mendis (2008)

Ajantha Mendis of Sri Lanka created headlines when he made his debut in 2008 against India. His unconventional spin was practically difficult for India to understand.

Mendis grabbed eight wickets in the match, including dismissals of Indian legends Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman. Mendis' "carrom ball" puzzled India, and while his career was brief, his debut against them remains famous.

As India prepares for the rest of the Test match, they must figure out how to counter Mahmud's speed. Will they break the code? Or will Hasan Mahmud join the lengthy list of bowlers who have made an impact against India? Only time will tell, but one thing is sure: India must improve its ability to deal with these new faces. Maybe next time, they'll be prepared.