India vs Bangladesh 2024-25: Test Series Preview, Key Battles, and Fantasy Picks

India’s home dominance and their combination of experienced and young players make them the clear favorites, but Bangladesh’s recent form and their potent spin attack could create opportunities for upsets.

The Bangladesh Tour of India 2024-25 is set to be an exciting contest between two competitive sides. With a full-strength Indian team and a confident Bangladesh squad fresh from a series victory against Pakistan, this tour is critical for both nations. The tour includes two Tests followed by three T20Is, and the stakes are high as the teams eye ICC ranking points and World Test Championship opportunities.

Series Overview

The Bangladesh Tour of India 2024-25 consists of two Test matches and three T20 Internationals. The tour kicks off with the first Test in Chennai, followed by the second Test in Kanpur. After the Test series, the action shifts to the T20 format, with the first T20I scheduled in Gwalior.

This series holds great significance for both teams. For India, it’s an opportunity to strengthen their position in the World Test Championship and regain dominance in the T20 format. The return of star players, including Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant, is expected to bolster India's already strong lineup. However, one of the key discussions around India’s squad is the competition between KL Rahul and Sarfaraz Khan for a middle-order spot. While Rahul has the experience and adaptability, Sarfaraz's incredible domestic record makes him a strong contender. The Indian team management will have tough choices to make regarding their playing XI.

Bangladesh, on the other hand, is riding high on confidence after defeating Pakistan in a historic series. Their fast-improving bowling attack, led by promising talents like Nahid Rana, and the experienced spin duo of Shakib and Mehidy, will play a pivotal role. With India often opting for spin-friendly pitches, Bangladesh could find themselves in a favorable position to exploit any vulnerabilities in India’s batting lineup. Indian batters have occasionally shown susceptibility to top-quality spin, and Bangladesh’s spinning options could be a deciding factor in these matches.

Key Matches and Schedule

The Bangladesh Tour of India 2024-25 features a packed schedule, with two highly anticipated Test matches and three T20Is. The tour begins with the longer format, setting the tone for the series, followed by fast-paced T20 action.

1st Test (Chennai, Sept 19-23, 2024)

The first Test will be held at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Known for its spin-friendly surface, this venue will likely see both teams heavily relying on their spin bowlers. While India boasts a solid home record here, Bangladesh's world-class spinners like Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz could pose serious challenges, especially if the pitch starts to turn early. For India, managing the threat of Bangladesh’s spinners will be critical, particularly given their recent struggles on turning tracks.

2nd Test (Kanpur, Sept 27 - Oct 1, 2024)

The second Test at Kanpur’s Green Park Stadium will be another intense battle. Historically, Kanpur has offered more support to seamers early on, with spin playing a crucial role in the later stages of the match. India’s pace attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah, will look to take advantage of these conditions. However, the key storyline will remain whether Bangladesh’s fast-improving pace unit can match up to India’s formidable bowling attack.

1st T20I (Gwalior, Oct 6, 2024)

The first of the three T20 matches will be held in Gwalior. T20 cricket often throws up unexpected results, and both teams will be eager to experiment with their combinations ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup. India will likely field a mix of experienced players and young talent, while Bangladesh will look to capitalize on their recent white-ball success.

Remaining T20Is

The second and third T20Is will follow closely after the Gwalior match. Both teams will be looking to fine-tune their squads in these high-stakes matches, especially with the T20 World Cup looming.

India's Squad and Strengths

India’s squad for the Bangladesh Tour of 2024-25 boasts a blend of experienced players and emerging talents. The return of Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant will strengthen the batting lineup, providing depth and stability. However, one of the most talked-about topics is the competition for the middle-order spot between KL Rahul and Sarfaraz Khan. Rahul, with his versatility and experience, is looking to solidify his place after transitioning into the middle-order role. On the other hand, Sarfaraz Khan, known for his exceptional performances in domestic cricket, is pushing hard for a Test debut. This internal battle for selection adds an interesting dynamic to the Indian lineup.

The Impact of Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant’s Return

Kohli’s presence in the batting order adds experience and calmness, while Pant’s dynamic wicket-keeping and aggressive batting can change the game’s momentum in a single session. Both players will play pivotal roles in guiding India’s middle order through tricky periods, particularly when facing Bangladesh’s formidable spin attack.

Jasprit Bumrah and India’s Seam Attack

India’s pace battery, led by the ever-reliable Jasprit Bumrah, will be crucial in conditions where the ball swings or seams early. Alongside Bumrah, bowlers like Mohammed Siraj and Yash Dayal bring pace and control, making India’s seam attack one of the strongest in the world. In venues like Kanpur, where the pitch offers support to seamers early in the match, India’s bowlers will look to make early inroads into Bangladesh’s batting lineup.

Spin Attack: India’s Key to Home Dominance

India’s home record has often been built on the strength of its spinners. However, the emergence of new spin options will be tested against a Bangladesh side known for its proficiency against spin. With experienced campaigners like Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin likely to lead the attack, the young spinners will need to adapt quickly. One potential risk for India is over-reliance on spin, as Bangladesh’s batters, particularly Shakib Al Hasan, have the skillset to neutralize spin threats. India will need to be cautious, as turning pitches could backfire if Bangladesh's spinners, led by Mehidy Hasan, take advantage of conditions that favor them.

Bangladesh's Challenge

Bangladesh comes into the 2024-25 tour of India with renewed confidence after a strong performance against Pakistan. This series presents a crucial opportunity for the team to test their skills against a powerhouse like India, especially on Indian soil where the home team has historically dominated. Bangladesh will need to balance their strengths in both pace and spin to stand a chance in conditions that could favor either side.

High-Flying Form After Pakistan Series Win

Bangladesh's 2-0 win over Pakistan has given the team immense confidence ahead of this challenging tour. Key players like Shakib Al Hasan and Litton Das were instrumental in that victory, showcasing both batting resilience and tactical bowling. Bangladesh will look to carry this momentum into the Test series against India, hoping to expose any vulnerabilities in the Indian squad, especially in the spin department.

Spotlight on Nahid Rana and Bangladesh’s Pace Attack

While Bangladesh has traditionally relied on spin, their pace attack has seen remarkable improvement. Nahid Rana, their rising pace sensation, has caught the attention of the cricket world with his raw speed and wicket-taking abilities. However, playing in India will test the stamina and skill of Bangladesh’s fast bowlers, as Indian pitches are not always conducive to pace bowling. Nahid Rana’s performance will be closely watched, as his ability to break partnerships and take early wickets could be crucial.

Shakib Al Hasan’s Spinning Threat

Bangladesh’s success in this series may ultimately hinge on their spinners, particularly started under the leadership of Shakib Al Hasan. Shakib, one of the world’s top all-rounders, has proven his capability on the biggest stages, and Indian conditions should suit his style of bowling. Alongside him, Mehidy Hasan Miraz will also be a key figure. The duo has the potential to exploit India’s occasional weakness against spin, especially on turning pitches that might catch the Indian batting lineup off guard.

The Indian team will need to be particularly careful on spin-friendly tracks, as Bangladesh’s spinners have consistently shown that they can be a match-winning force. While India has traditionally dominated in such conditions, this time the spinning threat could swing in favor of Bangladesh.

Key Matchups

One of the most exciting aspects of this series will be the individual matchups between the star players. A battle to watch will be between Virat Kohli and Shakib Al Hasan. Kohli, a master of playing spin, will need to navigate Shakib’s crafty bowling, especially on turning tracks. Another critical matchup will be Jasprit Bumrah versus Bangladesh’s top order. Bumrah’s ability to generate reverse swing on Indian pitches could trouble the Bangladesh batters, who will need to adapt quickly to handle his pace and accuracy.

For Bangladesh, Litton Das will play a crucial role in countering India’s bowling attack. His ability to play spin well will be tested by Ashwin and Jadeja, who thrive in Indian conditions. At the same time, Bangladesh’s batters will have to keep an eye on India’s pace duo of Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, who can break through early with sharp seam movement.

With both teams heavily relying on their bowlers to make breakthroughs, this Test series will likely be a closely fought contest, with small margins determining the outcome.

India’s Mighty Home Record

India’s dominance in Test cricket at home is well-established, making them one of the toughest teams to beat on their own turf. Over the past decade, India has built a fortress at home, largely due to their formidable spin attack and the ability of their batters to handle spin-friendly conditions. The conditions in India often favor the home team, with pitches that offer turn for the spinners and provide the seamers with reverse swing as the match progresses.

Challenges for Bangladesh on Indian Soil

For Bangladesh, this series will be an uphill battle. Historically, subcontinental teams like Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have struggled to win Test matches in India. The challenge for Bangladesh will be to not only handle India’s lethal spin attack but also score heavily enough to give their own bowlers something to defend. While Bangladesh’s recent success against Pakistan shows they are improving as a Test side, beating India in their backyard is an entirely different challenge.

However, Bangladesh’s spinners could be their ace in the hole. India’s batters, though accustomed to handling spin, have shown vulnerabilities against high-quality spinners. If the likes of Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan can make early breakthroughs, Bangladesh may be able to put India under pressure, especially on turning tracks like those in Chennai.

Fantasy Cricket Picks for the Series

Fantasy cricket enthusiasts will be closely following the Bangladesh Tour of India 2024-25, as this series offers plenty of opportunities to make informed selections. With top players returning to the Indian squad and Bangladesh riding high on recent success, Picking both Up and Down trades on sixer would be fun and thrilling. Here are some high-value picks and players to watch out for during the Test series.

High-Value Picks for the Test Series

  • Virat Kohli – One of India’s most reliable performers, Virat Kohli’s experience and ability to score runs in pressure situations make him a must-pick. On home soil, Kohli’s track record speaks for itself, especially when it comes to handling spin. His form in this series will be pivotal for India’s middle order, and his consistency makes him a safe fantasy pick.
  • KL Rahul – With the ongoing competition for a spot in the middle order, KL Rahul will be motivated to perform. His versatility and adaptability give him an edge, and he’s shown he can play long innings in Tests. If selected, Rahul could be a valuable asset for fantasy players looking for a reliable option.
  • Jasprit Bumrah – Bumrah’s ability to extract reverse swing and generate pace even on slower Indian tracks makes him a lethal weapon. His recent performances suggest that he’s in top form, and he’s likely to be among the leading wicket-takers in the series. A key player for those looking to gain points through bowling.
  • Shakib Al Hasan – For Bangladesh, Shakib is the cornerstone of both their batting and bowling. His all-round abilities mean he can contribute with both bat and ball, making him an ideal pick for fantasy cricket. On spin-friendly tracks, Shakib’s experience could see him trouble India’s middle order while also scoring crucial runs for Bangladesh.
  • Ravindra Jadeja – Jadeja’s all-round capabilities make him a vital asset for fantasy players. Not only is he a top spinner, capable of taking crucial wickets, but he is also known for his lower-order batting. On tracks where spin plays a major role, Jadeja will likely be one of the top performers for India.

Players to Watch

  • Litton Das – As one of Bangladesh’s most dependable batsmen, Litton Das has the potential to score big runs. His ability to play spin well could see him anchor Bangladesh’s innings and make him a key player for fantasy teams.
  • Nahid Rana – For those looking for an emerging talent, Nahid Rana is an exciting pick. The young pace bowler is capable of generating genuine pace and will be a key part of Bangladesh’s bowling attack. If the conditions suit him, he could surprise the Indian batting order.
  • Rishabh Pant – Known for his aggressive batting style, Pant can turn a match on its head with his ability to score quickly. If selected, Pant’s explosiveness, combined with his wicket-keeping points, makes him a high-value pick for any fantasy team.

Virat Kohli
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