A chance for Tigers to give fitting reply
Historic one-off Test against India begins today
Syed Mohammed Pithu from Hyderabad
In a game of glorious uncertainties, rankings often go for a toss but when Bangladesh take on India in their first bilateral encounter in the crickets conventional format at the Indian shore today, it is termed as Battle of Unequals.
India is No. 1 in the International Cricket Councils Test rankings, and Bangladesh is No. 9 in the group of ten. Still, the historic value of the match makes it a unique occasion, so much so that Indian skipper Virat Kohli cited the day as a special one.
They havent come to India much is what I have recently found out. Weve gone to Bangladesh quite a bit but they have never been to India for a bilateral series before this. So yes, it is a historic moment for both the teams and the countries as well, Kohli said ahead of the match.
I hope this can happen much more. We have gone there too many times, they should come here more often. It will be great for them to come and play here in India great place to play cricket. They will enjoy it. I think it should happen more often. It is a special occasion. I just happen to be the captain at this time. But it will be a special day, the Indian skipper added.
Bangladesh are coming after a poor tour in New Zealand in which they lost eight matches on the trot. India has never lost a Test at home since England trumped them in 2012.
India are two wins away from leveling their longest unbeaten run in home Tests - 20, achieved between 1977 and 1980. The current streak stands at 18 with the sides regal form witnessed them registering seven victories against New Zealand and England in the last eight matches in the ongoing India Cricket season.
The result of the one-off Test at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium looks predictable but for Bangladesh, its the chance to grab the limelight if they want to give India a fitting reply not to invite them in a bilateral series since their elevation to the Test format in 2000.
Playing in India is really a great occasion for us. The boys are really excited to be playing against the No. 1 team in the world. It is our great opportunity to show character and skills. Hopefully we can match up with the best side, Bangladesh Test captain Mushfiqur Rahim said.
We played really well against England. We had individual success in New Zealand although it doesnt matter at the end of the day. We have been consistent in ODIs and T20s in the last two years but we havent done it in Tests. Consistency is key for me. We need to keep momentum with us and stay in the game longer.
Having finished the first half of the season successfully, Virat Kohlis India definitely would aim to extend their domination. But Kohli urged his players of not being complacent.
Its an equal battle, he said. You cant discount Bangladesh batting as well. They did outstanding in New Zealand. Outstanding effort to score more than 350 runs in one day, its phenomenal going at 4.5 runs an over throughout the day was something very special. So we cant take any aspect of their team lightly. They have quality cricketers.
Out of the 8 Tests which India and Bangladesh have played so far, the former have won 6. Their previous meeting at Fatullah turned out to be a disappointing affair, as rains played spoilsport in what was Kohlis first Test after becoming Indias 32nd captain.
