Shakib Al Hasan To Trouble Virat Kohli; 3 Player Battles For India Vs Bangladesh 1st Test

Kohli Vs Shakib will be a key player battle [x]

The Indian team is ready to take on Bangladesh in a riveting two-match Test series, starting from Thursday. The series is a part of the WTC cycle as both the teams will look to strengthen their position in the points table.

India, last played a Test series against England, which took place earlier this year, and were victorious by a margin of 4-1. Since then, the team has played white-ball games, and are coming into this series with little to no red-ball practice. 

On the other hand, Bangladesh were superb in their last series against Pakistan. They sprung a surprise and thrashed the Asian giants 2-0, and as a result, will come into this series on the back of a stellar performance.

The two teams have collided numerous times in Test cricket, and have been a part of some brilliant tactical battles. On Indian conditions, tactical battles will play a key role, and hence, we look at 3 key player battles, which can decide the fate of the first Test.

Virat Kohli vs Shakib Al Hasan

Now, Virat Kohli doesn't have a poor record against Shakib Al Hasan in Tests, but as of late, he has struggled against left-arm spinners. In the recently concluded series against Sri Lanka, left-arm spinner, Dunith Wellalage troubled him and the champion batter was dismissed lbw in all three ODIs.

Shakib can take a leaf out of Wellalage and can be the trouble-maker for Kohli. Shakib has a deceptive arm-ball and in Indian conditions, Kohli can come in two minds - whether to play it as an off-break, or arm ball. Shakib has only dismissed him once in Tests, but can have a psychological edge, considering Kohli's recent form against left-armers.

Mominul Haque Vs R Ashwin

R Ashwin loves to bowl against left-handed batters and just like any other lefty, he has a stellar record against Mominul Haque. Ashwin has a deadly off-break and in Indian conditions it becomes more effective against the left-handed batter, who is playing for the turn.

As the stats speak, Mominul prefers to play defensive cricket, and that has back-fired against him, as Ashwin has knocked him thrice in Tests. Against the Indian spinner, Mominul should be a bit more aggressive. 

The left-hander has a poor average of 19 against Ashwin, suggesting that the Bangladesh batter struggles against the off-break bowler. This battle at the top can decide the fate of the Bangladesh innings.

Rishabh Pant Vs Mehidy Hasan Miraz

This is a curious case of Rishabh Pant. In the past, he has excelled against Mehidy Hasan Miraz but the Bangladesh all-rounder has multiples times got the better of the champion Indian batter.

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Pant's natural attacking instincts makes him a threat for the opposition team, but it also makes him vulnerable sometimes. Mehidy is an off-spinner and when a left-handed batter like Pant attacks him, the ball turns away, and deceives him on flight. Pant has garnered 50 runs against Mehidy in Tests, and the runs have come in quick time.

However, Mehidy has dismissed him 3 times, and Pant has an average of just 16.7. This battle in the middle can be a game-changer for both the sides.

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