The highly anticipated Test series between India and Bangladesh kicks off on September 19 in Chennai, promising intense competition on the pitch. With India’s remarkable home record—40 wins to just 4 losses in Test matches since 2013—the odds seem stacked in their favor. However, Bangladesh enters the series with momentum after their impressive 2-0 series victory over Pakistan. Here are five crucial matchups to watch that could determine the fate of the series.

1. Indian Spinners vs. Bangladesh Batters

One of the defining aspects of cricket in India is the dominance of spin bowling, and this series will be no exception. Indian spinners such as Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Ravindra Jadeja will look to exploit the vulnerabilities in Bangladesh’s middle and lower order. Historically, Indian spinners thrive on home pitches, and the challenge for Bangladesh’s batters will be immense. Their ability to tackle quality spin bowling will be critical for their success in the series.

2. Rohit Sharma vs. Nahid Rana

Indian captain Rohit Sharma is set to face a challenging opponent in Bangladesh’s fast bowler Nahid Rana. Known for his pace, consistently reaching speeds of 145-150 km/h, Rana has the potential to unsettle even the best of batsmen. Sharma, along with opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, will need to adapt quickly to Rana’s express pace, especially if India opts for fast-friendly pitches. This matchup is pivotal, as Rohit’s aggressive batting style could play a crucial role in setting the tone for India’s innings.

3. Virat Kohli vs. Bangladesh Spinners

Virat Kohli’s return to form in limited-overs cricket has reignited hopes for his performance in Test matches. However, his struggles against spin have raised concerns, especially with Bangladesh’s experienced spinners Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz looming. Kohli’s ability to counter these bowlers could not only influence his own season but also impact India’s overall performance in the series. A solid showing from him will be essential, especially with a busy Test schedule ahead.

4. Jasprit Bumrah vs. Shadman Islam

When it comes to pace bowling, Jasprit Bumrah is one of the most feared bowlers in world cricket. Bangladesh opener Shadman Islam will need to display exceptional skill and temperament to withstand Bumrah’s lethal deliveries. Shadman has shown promise, particularly during the series against Pakistan, but facing Bumrah poses a unique challenge. How he navigates this key battle could significantly influence the dynamics of Bangladesh’s innings.

5. Confidence vs. Complacency

The psychological edge could be just as critical as the physical battle on the pitch. Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has emphasized his team’s newfound confidence following their series win against Pakistan. In contrast, India has exhibited signs of complacency after their T20 World Cup triumph, suffering defeats in limited-overs cricket against Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka. This contrasting momentum could play a pivotal role in shaping the series’ outcome.

Conclusion

As the India vs Bangladesh Test series unfolds, these five key battles will be crucial in determining which team takes home the series victory. With both teams bringing their unique strengths and challenges, cricket fans can expect an exhilarating showdown. Keep an eye on these matchups as they could very well decide the fate of the series!