3 Key Bangladesh Players To Watch Out For In India Tests

India vs Bangladesh the much-anticipated Test Series (X)India vs Bangladesh the much-anticipated Test Series (X)

India and Bangladesh are gearing up for a highly anticipated two-match Test series, beginning on September 19 in Chennai, followed by the second Test in Kanpur. While India have historically dominated Bangladesh in Test cricket, the visiting side will enter this series with renewed momentum, having recently secured a 2-0 clean sweep against Pakistan on their home turf. 

This Test series also plays a crucial role in the two team's WTC journey. India, currently sitting at the top of the WTC points table, will be eager to extend their dominance and secure a strong win in the series. However, Bangladesh, currently fourth in the standings, will be hungry for success after the Pakistan series. 

Having delivered a historic series victory over Pakistan, the Najmul Hossain Shanto-led side will aim to create history by taking down India in their den. As both sides prepare for this encounter, let’s look at three key Bangladeshi players who could play crucial roles in the series against India. 

1. Shakib Al Hasan

Bangladesh’s talismanic all-rounder, Shakib Al Hasan, will once again be expected to deliver both with the bat and ball. Shakib’s experience and versatility make him a formidable force, particularly in the subcontinent conditions. 

However, he has not been in good form with the bat recently and has failed to contribute as he has made just 38 runs in two matches against Pakistan. He contributed with the ball, claiming five wickets. 

It is worth mentioning that his left-arm spin will be crucial in exploiting Indian pitches. He would like to contribute with the bat as he has the ability to counterattack when the team needs it most. As a senior figure in the team, Shakib's contribution will be vital for Bangladesh’s ambitions in this series.

2. Mehidy Hasan Miraz

Mehidy Hasan Miraz has emerged as one of Bangladesh’s most promising all-rounders, and his performance in the Pakistan series only reinforced his value to the team. With his sharp off-spin, Mehidy can trouble Indian batsmen on turning tracks, and his ability to bowl long spells makes him a key weapon for captain Najmul Shanto. 

More recently, he was the Player of the Series in Pakistan, where he took ten wickets, including a five-wicket haul, and scored two backs-to-the-wall fifties. His match-winning abilities, both with the bat and ball, make him one of Bangladesh's biggest assets heading into this challenging Test series against India.

3. Litton Das 

Bangladesh’s right-handed wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das has been in scintillating form. His contribution with the bat was important in Bangladesh's 2-0 clean sweep of Pakistan, as he amassed 194 runs across two innings, with an impressive average of 97.00.

Litton Das's standout moment came in the second Test in Rawalpindi, where he delivered a resilient century. Coming in to bat with Bangladesh reeling at 26/5, and soon reduced to 26/6, Das defied the odds and played a counter-attacking knock that rescued his team from collapse. His 138-run innings turned the game around and played a pivotal role in Bangladesh's victory.

This performance cemented his role as one of Bangladesh's most dependable batters. His ability to deliver under pressure and his aggressive stroke play make him a player to watch out for in the upcoming two-match Test series against India.