Tigers aim for historic maiden Test victory against India

Bangladesh is gearing up to make history as they face India in the first of a two-match Test series starting tomorrow at M Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

The game begins at 10 AM Bangladesh time.

Fresh off a 2-0 Test series sweep against Pakistan, Bangladesh is riding high on confidence and looking to replicate that success against India, a far more formidable opponent. Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusingha has described the current squad as the most balanced and capable he has seen, with strong performances in both the batting and bowling departments.

The Tigers boast an impressive lineup with star all-rounders Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, alongside a rejuvenated pace attack featuring Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, and Nahid Rana. Bangladesh’s pacers have been especially effective in recent years, giving the team hope of claiming their first-ever Test series win against India.

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto is optimistic, emphasizing the importance of taking the game into the fifth day. “If we can take the Test to the fifth day, there’s an opportunity for us to win,” Shanto said, highlighting the team’s confidence after their series win in Pakistan.

The two teams have met 13 times in Test cricket, with India winning 11 matches and two ending in draws. Bangladesh is hoping to change that record and secure their first Test victory over India, who have remained dominant at home.

Both teams are retaining their core squads from previous series, with Bangladesh making only one injury-forced change—Jaker Ali Anik replacing pacer Shoriful Islam. India will field a strong team, captained by Rohit Sharma.

Bangladesh squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Liton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Nahid Rana, Jaker Ali Anik, Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, Syed Khaled Ahmed.

India squad: Rohit Sharma (captain), 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.