Ahead of the upcoming Test series between India and Bangladesh, two former Indian cricketers, Harbhajan Singh and Suresh Raina, have cautioned Rohit Sharma’s team against taking Bangladesh lightly. Despite Bangladesh’s inability to defeat India and South Africa in Test matches so far, both cricketers emphasized that this does not imply it will never happen.
In an interview with the news agency ANI, Suresh Raina highlighted Bangladesh’s growing strength in Test cricket. He noted that the Bangladesh team, under the leadership of Najmul Hossain Shanto, will be full of confidence, especially after their recent victories at home against Sri Lanka, West Indies, and New Zealand. Raina praised the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for including top players in the Duleep Trophy, which he believes is a great initiative for preparing the Test team. He further added that Bangladesh’s strong spin bowling attack and experienced players make them a formidable opponent. The series, according to Raina, will serve as excellent preparation for India’s upcoming tour of Australia.
Harbhajan Singh echoed Raina’s sentiments, predicting a competitive series. He acknowledged India’s strengths but warned against dismissing Bangladesh as an easy opponent, citing their recent Test victory against Pakistan. Harbhajan remarked that smaller teams often deliver surprising performances, making this series one to watch.
The two-match Test series between India and Bangladesh is set to begin on September 19 in Chennai, with the second Test scheduled for September 27 in Kanpur. Following the Test series, the teams will also face off in a three-match T20 series.
