India vs Bangladesh 2nd Test: India Bowls First After Rohit Sharma Wins Toss

India vs Bangladesh began the second and final Test in Kanpur under challenging conditions after a delayed toss due to a wet outfield. India stuck to the same playing XI that secured a dominant 280-run victory in the first Test, while Bangladesh made a couple of changes. Despite the overnight rain, play started with India captain Rohit Sharma winning the toss and opting to bowl first.

Bumrah’s Dominant Start:

Jasprit Bumrah opened the bowling attack with remarkable precision, delivering three consecutive maiden overs. The Indian pace trio, consisting of Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep, joined forces with spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja on what is expected to be a slow, flat pitch. Rain, which poured throughout the night in Kanpur, hasn’t affected the match so far, but forecasted showers could interfere in the coming days.

Rohit & Kohli’s Form Concerns:

India aims for a clean sweep in the series, but concerns remain over the form of skipper Rohit Sharma and veteran batter Virat Kohli, who both struggled in the first Test. However, Shubman Gill’s strong performance in Chennai and Rishabh Pant’s stunning century on his return to the Test squad has strengthened India’s batting line-up. With favorable conditions in Kanpur, India hopes to see their star batsmen regain their rhythm.

Weather Watch:

The weather remains a key factor, with forecasts predicting rainfall over the first three days of the Test. This could play into the tactics of both teams, making it even more critical for India to strike early and capitalize on bowling-friendly conditions on Day 1.

Bangladesh’s Challenge:

For Bangladesh, the task ahead is tough, especially after struggling against India’s formidable pace and spin attack in the first Test. Their top-order collapse in Chennai left them vulnerable, and facing bowlers like Bumrah and Ashwin on the unpredictable Kanpur pitch will be an uphill battle. Bangladesh’s lineup sees a few changes, and there is uncertainty over the participation of their star all-rounder, Shakib Al Hasan, who is nursing an injury. If Shakib is unfit, Nayeem Hasan is likely to replace him, with Taijul Islam also a potential inclusion.

Jadeja on the Verge of History:

India’s all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is on the cusp of an impressive milestone. He is just one wicket away from joining the exclusive club of cricketers who have taken 300 wickets and scored 3,000 runs in Test cricket, only the second-fastest to achieve this feat after England’s Ian Botham.

The Kanpur Pitch and History:

The Green Park Stadium pitch is known for its unpredictable bounce and is expected to get slower as the match progresses. Despite this, Kanpur has been a fortress for India, with the team remaining unbeaten in Test matches for over four decades. Ravichandran Ashwin has been particularly successful here, having taken 16 wickets in previous Tests, and will be eager to add more to his tally.

India vs Bangladesh Test History:

India has a dominant record against Bangladesh in Test cricket, winning 12 out of the 14 matches between the two nations, with the remaining two ending in draws. Bangladesh has yet to secure a Test victory over India, and this series presents another uphill battle for visitors.