IND vs BAN: Why Team India can't afford to Take Bangladesh Lightly?

Add as a preferred source on Google

Team India will lock horns with the Bangladesh cricket team in the upcoming two-match Test series. The Test opener is slated to begin on September 19 at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. After that, the second and final Test will kick off on 27th of this month at Green Park Stadium in Kanpur.

As Team India gears up to face Bangladesh in the upcoming Test series, the anticipation is high with the return of senior pros such as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Team India are on top of the WTC points table with six wins, two defeats and a draw.

While the Indian team are undoubtedly strong on home soil, it would be a mistake to underestimate Bangladesh in the first place, especially after their historic Test series win over Pakistan in the away territory. Let's take a glimpse at three compelling reasons why India should take the Bangladesh Tigers seriously.

1. Not Minnows anymore

Gone are the days when Bangladesh were considered minnows in international cricket. Calling them "minnows" has become a thing of the past as the team has evolved significantly over the years.

The Tigers have learned from past mistakes, improved their game to a great extent. They have shown resilience and skill and showed the world that they are no longer the underdogs in international cricket. Bangladesh are a formidable opponent capable of challenging any team, including Team India.

2. 2-0 Whitewash against Pakistan

Bangladesh's recent 2-0 historic Test series whitewash against Pakistan serves as a stark reminder to the cricket fraternity that they can pose serious threats to any top-tier team. When Bangladesh toured Pakistan, very few would have predicted the Tigers' chances of a win, let alone a historic whitewash.

The visitors turned the tables around in the away territory by clinching the first Test by 10 wickets and the second by 6 wickets. With this, Bangladesh not only secured their first-ever Test victory against Pakistan but also made a bold statement to the cricketing world.

3. Spin-friendly conditions in India can favour Bangladesh

It is no secret that India is known for its spin-friendly pitches and let's remind ourselves that Bangladesh is also well-versed in exploiting such conditions effectively.

The upcoming Test series in India could see Bangladesh's spinners, particularly Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shakib Al Hasan ruffling Indian batters' feathers. Mehidy Hasan Miraz has been in excellent form of late as he accounted for 10 dismissals in 2 Tests against Pakistan.

On the other hand, seasoned all-rounder Shakib has also contributed significantly with 5 wickets. Both spinners have the potential to exploit India's turning tracks and pose a serious threat to the Indian batting lineup.