IND vs BAN: A senior official from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that the second Test match between India and Bangladesh will not be shifted from Kanpur despite threats of protests, according to a report. A senior official from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that the second Test between India and Bangladesh will proceed as scheduled at Green Park, Kanpur, on September 27.
This decision follows concerns raised by Hindu Mahasabha, which had threatened protests in response to alleged violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. Despite these threats, the BCCI source assured that no alternative venues are being considered for the match. We are monitoring the situation with the relevant authorities. The stadium is prepared to host the match as planned and we will continue to keep an eye on the situation both in Kanpur and at other venues,” the source told India Today.
In preparation for their Test series against India, Bangladesh batter Litton Das has highlighted the team efforts to adapt to the SG balls used in Indian cricket. Bangladesh is set to begin a two-match Test series against India next week in Chennai, following their historic Test success in Pakistan.
Unlike their previous series, where they used Kookaburra balls, Bangladesh will now face the SG ball in India, which presents different challenges. Litton Das noted that the SG ball prominent seam makes it more difficult to play, particularly when the ball gets older. The SG ball behaves differently; it is harder to score against the old SG ball compared to the Kookaburra, which becomes easier to handle as it wears out,” he explained to ESPN cricinfo. This adjustment will be crucial as Bangladesh prepares to face India in conditions that require mastering a new type of cricket ball.
India’s squad for 1st Test against Bangladesh:Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (WK),Dhruv Jurel(WK), R Ashwin, R Jadeja, Axar Patel,Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah, Yash Dayal.
IND vs BAN: The Green Park in Kanpur last hosted a Test match in 2021
In late 2021, Kanpur hosted its last international match when New Zealand toured India for the first Test of the series, which ended in a dramatic draw. The match is remembered for its intense finish, with the Blackcaps narrowly escaping with just one wicket remaining. Rachin Ravindra and Ajaz Patel were instrumental in this close contest, bowling 8.4 overs before play was halted, just twelve minutes shy of the scheduled time. This game also marked Shreyas Iyer debut innings in Test cricket.
The second Test between India and Bangladesh is set to commence on Friday, September 27 and will take place in Kanpur as planned. The match is confirmed to be held in Kanpur. We will monitor the situation closely, both in Kanpur and at other venues,” a BCCI official stated.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh cricket team has faced significant challenges due to ongoing civil unrest in their home country, coupled with numerous changes within their cricket board. These issues, along with support from the PCB, have led to logistical difficulties for the team, including their early departure to Pakistan.
Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul Return, as India Name a full-Strength Squad for Bangladesh Tests
Nearly 21 months after a severe car accident, Rishabh Pant has been included in India Test squad for the upcoming series against Bangladesh, which begins in Chennai on September 19. Due to a busy schedule, Pant workload will be managed throughout the five home Tests against Bangladesh and New Zealand, with the possibility of resting him at certain points. The selectors have delegated the decision on whether Pant or Dhruv Jurel—who impressed during the series in England—will take the wicketkeeping duties to captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir.
KL Rahul also makes a return to the squad, which is led by Ajit Agarkar and features a full-strength lineup for the first Test. The only new addition is left-arm seamer Yash Dayal. The squad for the series against England earlier this year has seen the exclusion of Rajat Patidar, Devdutt Padikkal, KS Bharat and Mukesh Kumar, with seamer Akash Deep retaining his place. The spin department remains robust with R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel.
India set to play ten Tests over the next four months, a four-day training camp is scheduled to start on September 12 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. It is uncertain if Virat Kohli will participate in the camp, with indications suggesting he might join the squad later.
Except for Mohammed Shami, all players are fit and available, leaving little room for unexpected omissions or inclusions. The upcoming series against Bangladesh and New Zealand is crucial for India as a clean sweep in these matches would put them in a strong position for the World Test Championship final, requiring only a draw in their five Tests in Australia.
Given that Pant return to competitive cricket has been limited—his only long-format match since the Mirpur Test in December 2022 was a recent Duleep Trophy fixture—there are concerns about whether he can handle the rigorous schedule. Pant underwent significant knee surgery involving ligament reconstruction and there are doubts about his ability to keep wickets in all ten Tests, specially with only a three-day gap between matches, including travel time.
India will monitor Pant workload closely, similar to how they manage Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. With Jurel showing strong potential as both a batsman and wicketkeeper, India is prepared to make match-by-match decisions regarding Pant’s involvement. If necessary, Pant could play solely as a specialist batsman, with Jurel taking over the wicketkeeping duties.
IND vs BAN: Packed Middle- Order
With the return of Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, India Test squad against Bangladesh will not include any of the young players who featured in the recent series against England. Sarfaraz Khan, who impressed in his Test debut, remains as the lone reserve batsman. Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill will form the top three in the batting lineup. With R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja set as key spinners, India maintains strong batting depth, specially in home conditions.
The Indian Express reports that India plans to rotate Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj to manage their workloads for the Australia tour. Akash Deep, who has shone in the Duleep Trophy, is anticipated to play a significant role as the third seamer, given his recent performances and the need to balance the bowling attack.
Bangladesh Challenge with SG Balls
On the cricketing front, the Bangladesh team faces a unique challenge as they adjust to playing with the SG ball, which behaves differently from the Kookaburra ball they are used to in their home conditions. Bangladesh star batter, Litton Das, highlighted the difficulties his team faces, stating. The SG ball is harder to play with, specially when it gets old. The seam is more prominent, making it difficult to negotiate.
Bangladesh, who recently achieved a historic 2-0 Test series victory in Pakistan, will need to adapt quickly to these conditions if they hope to challenge the Indian team. The transition from the Kookaburra to the SG ball adds another layer of complexity to their preparation, as they face an Indian side known for exploiting home conditions to their advantage.
Key Players to Watch
India squad for the Test series against Bangladesh boasts a blend of experience and young talent. Rohit Sharma will captain the side, supported by seasoned campaigners like Virat Kohli, who returns after an extended break. The inclusion of Jasprit Bumrah, who has been cleared to play, gives India a formidable bowling attack. Bumrah presence, alongside Mohammad Siraj and Axar Patel, Improve India bowling unit remains one of the most feared in world cricket.
Rishabh Pant return to Test cricket also marks a significant moment for the Indian team. The dynamic wicketkeeper-batter has been out of action due to injuries but is now ready to make his comeback. His aggressive batting style will be a key weapon in India’s arsenal as they look to dominate Bangladesh.
For Bangladesh, much will depend on the performances of their key players like Shakib Al Hasan and Litton Das. Shakib, who has been playing county cricket in England to prepare for the series, is a vital cog in Bangladesh lineup. His all-round abilities will be crucial if Bangladesh is to challenge India on their home turf.
The Bigger Picture
This Test series holds significance beyond the cricketing action. Both India and Bangladesh are looking to strengthen their positions in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings. India, having narrowly missed out on the WTC final last cycle, is determined to assert its dominance in the red-ball format. For Bangladesh, a strong performance against India could elevate their status in international cricket and provide a major boost to their WTC campaign.
Despite the off-field tensions, the focus remains firmly on the cricket. The series promises to be a thrilling contest between two passionate cricketing nations. India, with its formidable record at home, will look to continue its dominance, while Bangladesh will aim to build on its recent successes and make a statement in one of cricket toughest arenas.
