Bangladesh Announced Squad for Tests against India: A New Thriller Awaiting?

The series against Pakistan has changed the perception of Bangladesh’s capability, specifically in the test format. When they were in deplorable condition after completing the T20 World Cup so miserably, the test series against such a formidable opponent like Pakistan was supposed to be critical for them. Even many thought that Bangladesh would struggle to survive and happily accept the defeats, and, therefore, minimizing the loss margin would be their target. 

But what they did is still beyond the imagination of many. Whitewashing Pakistan at their home is a memory Bangladeshi cricket fans will cherish for a long time. The India series is next to it and will start with a short break. BCB has already announced the squad for this, too. 

So, how are things going to be? How will the squad defend and attack mighty India, the two-time runner-up of the World Test Championship? Before the test begins, let’s analyze the team to understand how the battle will be! 

The Announcement of the BANGLADESH Squad

There is no Nazmul Hassan Papon this time! Due to the changed country scenario and subsequent modifications in the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), the squad for the India series was announced on September 10, 2024. As the selectors said, domestic and international arena performance has been considered. Yet, there are some surprises in this squad, which has provided some food for thought for the cricket fans and for India to set their strategy. 

The Squad

So, here is the squad consisting of 16 members: 

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

How Strong is the Squad? 

Everyone seems confident and highly optimistic when a team is in good form. That’s when the selectors and players make mistakes by selecting the same names and setting the same strategy. However, BCB selectors seem cautious about this time and brought some new faces with a changed team combination, considering the vital zones of the Indian squad. 

Changes in the Squad: Well, only one very expected name is missing: Shoriful, who got injured during the last test against Pakistan. All other names are the same, though the strategy will differ. 

Key Players to Watch

The last series was a complete team effort, as several batters and bowlers put their best effort into snatching consecutive wins. However, several names will be a big concern for India to save them from being in-form Bangladesh! 

• Shakib Al Hasan: The name that never gets blurred! Shakib is a genius, and the cricket world always has an eye on him. With a murder case in the country, he came to play in Pakistan and performed outstandingly with the ball. He is doing very well at present in English County cricket. He is also expected to perform well against India since he is the most experienced one among squad members to play IPL in India. 
• Mushfiqur Rahim: He is one of Bangladesh’s most successful batters in the longer format, with outstanding consistency. His performance in Pakistan helped Bangladesh win the first match, especially the partnership with Liton Das. Though unsuccessful in the second one, he is always a sign of Bangladesh’s reliance! 
• Mehedy Miraz: Day by day, he is establishing himself as the replacement of Shakib Al Hasan with his incredible batting and bowling. While he is a successful off-spinner with fair batting ability, the way he batted in both matches against Pakistani quality bowling impressed everyone. His partnership with Mushfiqur Rahim in the first test and the one with Liton Das in the second test has set him at a higher standard, and it’s time for him to show consistency. 
• Liton Das: He is one of the most classical batters who used sound techniques. Some of the best innings to watch have come from him so far. However, the question is always about his inconsistency, especially in shorter formats. He is probably one of the best Bangladeshi batters with a red ball in the middle order. His impressive hundred after losing six wickets within twenty runs against Pakistan in the second innings has been marked as one of his best performances in the test format. Besides, he has played some of his best knocks against India in different formats. Therefore, everyone is expecting something even more significant from him this time. 

Strength and Weakness of the Squad

This team is a perfect mix of experienced and new cricketers. Youngsters like Nahid Rana, Mahmudul Joy, and Jaker Ali, with veterans like Mushfiq, Shakib, and Liton, have balanced it to challenge teams like India. The current form of some players with boosted confidence after defeating Pakistan has inspired the team to do something better. 

The issue that Bangladesh cannot ignore is its historical nervous breakdowns against India over the ages. While Bangladesh has challenged and managed wins in ODI format and sometimes in T20 formats many times, they couldn’t create a chance of defeating this team in Test format. The Indian team is also doing great and recently won the T20 World Cup; this time, they are at home, which is their biggest strength! The job for this squad is undoubtedly challenging, but they are motivated enough to take the challenge! 

Schedule of the Games

1^st Test: 

Date: 19 September, 2024

Venue: M Chidambaram Stadium

2^nd Test: 

Date: 27 September, 2024

Venue: Green Park

Both matches will start at 9:30 a.m. local time. 

Concluding Thoughts

Bangladesh vs. India is a battle the cricket fans of the South Asian region enjoyed a lot. However, after the sudden change of government, the international relationship between these two countries has worsened, and many reports have said so. According to the trends, the audience will be in a battle during the test match, and the excitement will be severe! If Bangladesh can give its best, as it did against Pakistan, then further surprises are unlikely to come!