India vs Bangladesh 1st Test | Chennai Preview

India vs Bangladesh 1st Test, Chennai Preview

The India-Bangladesh Test series kicks off with the 1st Test at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Both teams will look to begin their World Test Championship (WTC) cycle strongly, with India aiming to defend their formidable home record.

????️????️ Every game becomes important because of what is at stake.#TeamIndia Captain @ImRo45 ahead of the #INDvBAN Test series opener ????????@IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/TkcGCDZuYT

— BCCI (@BCCI) September 17, 2024

Pitch Conditions:

The Chennai pitch has historically favored spinners as the game progresses, but it also offers something for the pacers, especially in the first couple of days. Early on, there could be some assistance for seamers due to the morning moisture, but as the game progresses, spinners are likely to dominate. Expect significant turn from Day 3 onwards, making the toss crucial for both captains.

Weather Conditions:

The weather in Chennai is expected to be hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 30-35°C. There is a low chance of rain throughout the Test, meaning play is likely to be uninterrupted. The humidity could challenge players, especially in the afternoon sessions, making fitness and hydration essential.

Probable Playing XIs:

India:

Rohit Sharma (C)

Shubman Gill

Cheteshwar Pujara

Virat Kohli

Ajinkya Rahane

Rishabh Pant (wk)

Ravindra Jadeja

Ravichandran Ashwin

Mohammed Shami

Jasprit Bumrah

Axar Patel

Team India will likely play three spinners on a pitch known for turn. Ashwin, Jadeja, and Axar Patel provide a balanced spin attack, with Bumrah and Shami leading the pace department.

Bangladesh:

Tamim Iqbal

Shadman Islam

Mominul Haque

Najmul Hossain Shanto

Mushfiqur Rahim (wk)

Liton Das

Mehidy Hasan Miraz

Shakib Al Hasan (C)

Taskin Ahmed

Ebadot Hossain

Taijul Islam

Bangladesh may rely heavily on their all-rounders like Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan to balance their lineup, with Taijul Islam as the main spin threat. The pace attack will be led by Taskin Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain.

Key Players to Watch:

Ravichandran Ashwin: On a turning Chennai wicket, Ashwin will be pivotal with his experience and mastery of spin bowling.

Virat Kohli: With a rich history of run-scoring in India, Kohli will be keen to make an impact after an extended period of mixed form in Tests.

Shakib Al Hasan: The Bangladesh captain, and star all-rounder will have to lead from the front with both bat and ball, especially in spin-friendly conditions.

This series opener promises to be a fascinating contest between India's dominant home record and Bangladesh's hopes of causing an upset.