The second and final Test between India and Bangladesh kicks off tomorrow at Kanpur, with India leading the two-match series 1-0. After a commanding performance in the first Test at Chennai, India will be eager to seal the series, while Bangladesh will look to regroup and challenge the hosts. With both teams eyeing crucial World Test Championship (WTC) points, the clash promises to be a key encounter.
Match Preview
India was in complete control throughout the first Test, securing a 280-run victory in just four days. The Indian bowling unit, led by the spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, tore through Bangladesh’s batting order. Bangladesh, chasing a mammoth 515, could only muster scores of 149 and 234, unable to resist India’s spin-heavy attack.
For India, the positives were aplenty. Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant provided much-needed stability in the middle order with their breathtaking centuries, while Ashwin not only dominated with the ball but also struck a century in the first innings. Akash Deep also impressed, delivering a disciplined performance in his second Test outing.
Bangladesh, despite showing some resistance, particularly through Najmul Hossain Shanto’s 82 in the second innings, struggled against the Indian bowlers. Shakib Al Hasan, a vital cog in their line-up, will need to lead by example, especially with the bat, if Bangladesh is to trouble India in Kanpur.
Team News
India is unlikely to make drastic changes, especially given their all-around performance in Chennai. However, there could be a few adjustments depending on the conditions in Kanpur, where the pitch may offer early assistance to spinners. Kuldeep Yadav might come into consideration if the team management opts to bolster the spin attack.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, may look to freshen up their pace attack. Taskin Ahmed and Nahid Rana struggled in the Chennai conditions, and Bangladesh might introduce a third spinner in Taijul Islam, who could be more effective on the Kanpur surface. The team will also need Shakib to fire with both bat and ball to make a significant impact.
Probable Playing XI
India:
- Rohit Sharma (c)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Rishabh Pant (wk)
- KL Rahul
- Ravichandran Ashwin
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Akash Deep
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Jasprit Bumrah
Bangladesh:
- Zakir Hasan
- Shadman Islam
- Najmul Hossain Shanto (c)
- Mominul Haque
- Mushfiqur Rahim
- Shakib Al Hasan
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz
- Litton Das (wk)
- Taskin Ahmed
- Hasan Mahmud
- Taijul Islam
Key Players to Watch
India:
- Rohit Sharma
The Indian skipper didn’t get a big score in the first Test but will be hungry to make an impact in Kanpur. Sharma’s ability to dominate at the top of the order will be key to providing India with a strong platform.
- Jasprit Bumrah
Bumrah’s pace and accuracy, even on spin-friendly wickets, make him a vital weapon for India. His knack for picking up early wickets with the new ball could set the tone for India in Kanpur, especially if the conditions favor reverse swing.
Bangladesh:
- Mushfiqur Rahim
Rahim is one of Bangladesh’s most experienced players, and his role in anchoring the middle order is crucial. He struggled in the first Test but has the potential to turn the game in Bangladesh’s favour with a big innings.
- Taijul Islam
If the Kanpur pitch offers turn, Taijul Islam’s left-arm spin could be a real threat. His experience in subcontinental conditions makes him one of Bangladesh’s key bowlers, especially if they are to restrict India’s batting line-up.
Match Prediction
India enters the second Test as overwhelming favourites, having dominated the first game in all departments. The spin duo of Ashwin and Jadeja will once again be India’s trump cards on a Kanpur pitch that is likely to offer turn from the third day. Bangladesh’s challenge will hinge on their ability to counter India’s spinners and put up a strong batting display, especially from their top order.
Though Bangladesh showed glimpses of resistance in the first Test, it seems unlikely that they will find the consistency needed to overcome India in their home conditions. India should comfortably win the second Test and wrap up the series 2-0, continuing their strong run in the World Test Championship.
