The Bangladesh national cricket team is to leave for India on Sunday to play a two-match Test series and a three-match T20I series against the hosts.
India has always been a formidable opponent for Bangladesh. But over the last few years, the rivalry between these two neighboring countries has reached a fever pitch, creating anticipation for fans of both countries of a competitive series.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed Saturday that the team will fly to India on Sunday afternoon. Before the departure, the team's captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, will address the media.
Bangladesh has already announced the 16-member squad for the Test series. The left-arm pacer Shoriful Islam, who was part of the Bangladesh team during their Pakistan tour, was left behind due to an injury.
To replace Shoriful, who is expected to return with the T20I series, Bangladesh included wicketkeeper-batter Jaker Ali. It was Jaker’s first call to the Test team.
India has also announced their squad for this series with all their big names. This series will be marked as the first home series of the season for India.
Bangladesh had previously faced India in 13 Tests but failed to win any of those matches. They lost 11 matches, and two other matches ended in draws.
But this time, the Bangladesh team will be eager to write a new history as they are pumped up in confidence after their maiden Test series win in Pakistan, where they beat the hosts in both matches of the two-match series.
Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, and two young pacers— Hasan Mahmud and Nahid Rana— played the main roles behind Bangladesh’s historic win in Pakistan. If they can continue their good run, the Bangladesh team would be able to get some memorable moments in India too.
Mehidy, the allrounder of Bangladesh, said that they are hopeful of posing a strong challenge to the Indian side this time.
Indian legend and former captain Sourav Ganguly praised the Bangladesh team for the series-winning performance in Pakistan, but opined that they won’t be able to do the same against India.
The first Test of the India series will be played in Chennai from September 19, and the second Test will begin on September 27th in Kanpur.
Bangladesh squad for India Tests: Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Shadman Islam, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Jaker Ali, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana, Taijul Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Nayeem Hasan and Khaled Ahmed.
