India vs Bangladesh 2019: 3 players to look out for in upcoming Test series

History could have been created at Nagpur as Bangladesh seemed to be in control of proceedings in the series defining third T20I. However, an unbelievable display from Deepak Chahar where he got a hat-trick on his way to claiming the best figures in the format i.e 6-7 ensured that India won the T20I series 2-1.

Now the focus will shift to the two match Test series starting at Holkar Stadium, Indore. India are coming into this series after trouncing South Africa 3-0 recently to firmly grab the top spot in the ICC World Test Championship standings. They also have won their last 11 series on home conditions, which is a world record.

Their skipper who has led them extremely well to ensure they continue to dominate on home conditions, Virat Kohli would want to continue that winning momentum against Bangladesh. This series also adds lot more perspective than previous ones because of the fact that Virat had sparked a conversation of deciding on five centres for test cricket owing to the dwindling crowds one gets to see in Test matches.

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It has to be seen if firstly the BCCI are seriously looking at identifying five centres and accordingly plan their test match scheduling around them. Indore would hope to put on a grand show where the pitch and conditions offer lots for the players and fans.

Bangladesh, on the other hand, couldn't have asked for a tougher start to their ICC World Test Championship journey than by taking on India in the latter's backyard. In addition to that, they will be without two of their biggest assets and match-winners for this series- Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal.

Bangladesh will be captained by Mominul Haque and will want to give the hosts a good run for their money. South Africa were outplayed and outclassed in all departments of the game, it has to be seen how the Bangla Tigers handle themselves. A daunting challenge awaits them.

Here are three players to look out for in the upcoming two-match Test series.

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#3 Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma.

Rohit Sharma has announced himself in the longest format of the game. There was lot of doubt about whether he could convert his golden run of form in limited over cricket into the Test format. He squashed all such doubts through some imperious batting performances in the series against South Africa.

He notched up three free-flowing and attractive centuries as he went on to dominate the Proteas and cement his place in the Test team as the opener. India has been looking to put an end to their opening woes and Rohit Sharma- Mayank Aggarwal seem to have sorted that problem for the near future.

Consistency in getting a long run in this form of the game has not helped Rohit but now he would be given a longer run in the playing XI and he has earned that through his superlative performances. All eyes would be on him to see what he does against Bangladesh.

#2 Mushfiqur Rahim

Mushfiqur Rahim

With Shakib Al Hasan being banned for one year from international cricket and Tamim Iqbal injured, Bangladesh under newly appointed captain Mominul Haque would be looking at the likes of Mahmudullah, Liton Das and the most experienced player in their squad- Mushfiqur Rahim to lead the way.

Mushfiqur Rahim, who until recently was the captain of the Test team has been around for a long time. His fine wicket-keeping abilities and amazing ability to absorb pressure and assess the match situation very well makes him an asset for his team.

One thing is to get accustomed to Indian conditions which most Bangladesh players would have done but it is another ball-game together when someone plays a Test match in India and excels. That confidence and knowledge is what Rahim brings to the table along with his batting and wicket-keeping skills. He also can be a source for inspiration and guidance for a young Mominul Haque.

When these two teams faced off in a one-off Test at Hyderabad in 2017, Mushfiqur impressed everyone by notching up a century against the likes of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja on a pitch that turned a lot.

It would be interesting to see how the talented wicket-keeper-batsman fares in his new avatar of a senior statesman in the team. He has played 67 matches and accumulated 4029 runs at a reasonable average of 34.44. Can he hold the batting order together?

#1 Cheteshwar Pujara

Cheteshwar Pujara.

Cheteshwar Pujara was one of the key players whose performances against Australia ensured that India won their first ever Test series Down Under in over 70 years. He is extremely solid, bankable and a pillar of strength for Virat Kohli's side in Test matches. Being a Test specialist, one expects him to shine in the series against Bangladesh.

His issues with the ball moving in late and exposing his defense has caused him headaches recently. South Africa's pacers especially Vernon Phillander exploited that weakness and caused lot of problems for Pujara. His returns were the least for India's batters in their 3-0 triumph over South Africa.

Having played the pink ball under lights in the domestic scene, Pujara's experience and knowledge of having succeeded under lights in the pink ball in Asian conditions will definitely come in handy.

Pujara averages a fabulous 60.02 at home in 38 test matches. It's only a matter of getting in and settling into his rhythm before he gets back to his high scoring ways. Can the Bangladesh fast bowlers work him out like the Proteas did or will the batsman have answers?