Five reasons the India-Bangladesh series is important

Bangladesh make a visit to neighbouring shores for a one-off Test match, which might seem like a warm up game for the Indians, who are preparing to welcome more celebrated opposition in Australia.

However, it is to be noted that unlike the last three teams who visited India – South Africa, New Zealand and England, Bangladesh are more familiar with the conditions on offer. This in spite of the fact that the Test would be Bangladesh’s first on Indian soil.

India, meanwhile, last lost in a Test on home soil way back in December 2012 against England. They haven’t lost a home Test since and what makes it more special is the fact that since that 2012 England tour, only two games have resulted in draws. This makes India a really formidable opposition for a team that has won only 8 Tests in their entire history.

Interestingly, though, Bangladesh are a better unit since the last time India played them in a Test in 2015, a game that ended in a draw. They have since beaten England in a Test and drawn matches against Pakistan and South Africa.

Even in the recent away series against New Zealand, which Bangladesh lost, they put up a stern fight. But India at home is surely a stronger force than New Zealand, and Bangladesh have their task cut out for them.

Here is a take on why this series is important for both teams and for the cricketing fraternity.

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#5 Bangladesh’s first Test in India

It is 16 years since Bangladesh played their first ever Test against India at Dhaka. That was in November 2000. It took them four and a half years to win their first Test, not such a bad record considering that India and Pakistan took a lot longer to win their first game.

However, even though Bangladesh have played eight Tests against India, none of the eight have come on Indian soil. This is strange for two countries that share a border and have distinctly similar cultures. Putting an end to the long hiatus, the Tigers come to India, albeit for a one-off Test and this promises to be a significant development in Test cricket for the two nations.

With the two-year Test League proposal going through in the recent ICC meeting, most teams will be required to play against others, home and away. In this context, it is good for Bangladesh to come to terms with playing Test cricket in India.

#4 India warming up for Australia

India have to prepare themselves well for the visit of the Australians

India might be on a roll at the moment in home conditions having recently overcome New Zealand and England with relative ease. However, a Mitchell Starc-armed Australia might just possess the kind of X-factor to trouble India on their dusty home soil.

Bangladesh might be the ideal preparation India need before a sterner examination against the Aussies. India have all the bases covered in Tests but to keep the rust away, a warm-up kind of game might be just what Kohli’s side need.

As Bangladesh prepare to visit, India know that this Test is more than just a warm-up match. But it also allows the Indians to get back into the groove in Tests after some ODIs and T20s against England.

#3 Chance for Bangladesh to improve their away record

Bangladesh do not have a great away record

Bangladesh’s away record doesn’t make for good reading. They have won just 8 Tests overall and five of them have come on home soil. One has come in Zimbabwe and the only two away victories they can proudly speak about are the ones in West Indies.

Unlike other teams, Bangladesh have not had the luxury of visiting neighbouring countries frequently. They have not played Tests in India yet and their last Test in Pakistan came in 2003, with the country no longer playing their home games there.

Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe have been the only countries where Bangladesh have found conditions somewhat similar to home. In India, Bangladesh have an opportunity to start the new year on a high note and pull off a draw, if not a win. What will play into their hands will be the fact that they will be more familiar with the conditions than most of the other teams that visited India in the past.

#2 Opportunity for India to fix their middle order

Will Karun Nair get a game?

India have a problem of plenty in their middle order with Karun Nair registering a triple hundred the last time he played a Test innings. Kohli’s side did not have the services of Rahane and Rohit Sharma in that Test and Karun stepped up admirably.

Now that Rahane is back, India have to find a way to fit him in, given that he has been one of their best Test players in the recent past. But do they sit out someone who made a triple hundred in his last innings? And what about Hardik Pandya, who was picked to be a seaming all-rounder who could bat in the lower middle order? Will he get to play?

Rohit Sharma is out of contention at the moment due to injury. But given that India have too many options already, means that Rohit may not be considered even when fit keeping in mind that his longer format record isn’t something to boast about. But even without Rohit, there are plenty of options for the Indian selectors and this Test might present them with an opportunity to balance the Test side once and for all.

#1 How Bangladesh’s spin army will fare

Mehedi Hasan will have to produce some magic if Bangladesh are to get a result

Bangladesh bring with them a triumvirate of spin bowlers in Taijul Islam, Mehedi Hasan Miraz and Shakib-al-Hasan. This is excluding the likes of Mahmudullah and Sabbir Rahman who can turn their arm over. It will be an interesting battle given that the conditions will suit the spinners of both sides.

When England toured Bangladesh, Mehedi Hasan, who made his debut as a 19-year-old, picked 19 wickets in the series, including three 6-fers in four innings. The off-spinner will be keenly watched in the Test against India. Although he may not have as many left-handers to work on against India, he has a bag full of tricks and Kohli's side might just need to be on guard.

Shakib, meanwhile, brings a truckload of experience to the line-up and his bowling will be critical to Bangladesh’s chances against India’s right-handers. Taijul will aid him in spinning the ball away from the right-handers and these three look definitely more threatening than England’s spinners. If the tweakers get their game right, Bangladesh might just give India a tough time.