Former Indian pacer Pragyan Ojha has warned the Rohit Sharma-led team not to underestimate Bangladesh ahead of the Test series. Pragyan Ojha pointed out that the Bangladesh team, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, recently defeated the Pakistan team in their recent Test series.
The Indian team has gathered to prepare for a two-match Test series against Bangladesh after a month-long break from international cricket. The Men in Blue began their preparation for the first Test on September 13. It is noteworthy that India has a strong track record in home Test matches over the past decade.
On the other hand, Bangladesh is coming off a historic win against Pakistan in their recent Test series. The Najmul Hossain Shanto-led side registered a 10-wicket win in the first Test match, followed by a six-wicket win in the second and final Test match to complete a clean sweep over Pakistan.
It will be a good fight – Pragyan Ojha
Pragyan Ojha said that the Rohit Sharma-led team should not take Bangladesh lightly. Ojha added that Bangladesh will put up a good fight against India in the upcoming series. He highlighted that Bangladesh bowlers performed well in their recent 2-0 series win over Pakistan.
“They are a team from the subcontinent and they have good bowlers. If you look at it, Mehidy Hassan has become the man of the tournament (in a 2-0 win over Pakistan). The way he played, he is a good batsman and a good bowler. Also, Shakib is there too, so it won’t be that easy. It will be tricky how the Indian team will play against them on a particular pitch,” Ojha was quoted as saying by IANS.
“I am not saying that Bangladesh will challenge them, but it will be a good fight. The way Bangladesh defeated Pakistan at home shows that they are moving in the right direction. When they come here, it will be a good series,” he added.
The first Test match between India and Bangladesh will be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, starting on Thursday, September 19.
It is a very important series – Pragyan Ojha
The 38-year-old former cricketer said the Test series against Bangladesh is crucial for Indian players to gain momentum for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He stressed that the players could earn spots for the Australia series with good performances against Bangladesh.
“The most important thing is that the boys want to make a name for themselves, and the way they perform here, they will be able to participate in the Australia series,” Pragyan Ojha said.
“We know that Australia has not won the Border Gavaskar Trophy twice at home and would want to do well. So, this series between India and Bangladesh will give India a boost. It is a very important series and I don’t think the team should take it lightly.”
The Rohit Sharma-led side will play 10 Test matches in the coming months. After the Bangladesh series, India will take on New Zealand in a three-match Test series. The Men in Blue will then travel to Australia for the five-match Test series, which begins on November 22 in Perth.
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