Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto is optimistic to win a Test series in India for the first time despite the hosts’ invincible record at home.
India have been unbeaten in a home Test series more than 4000 days but Shanto’s confidence stemmed from the historical series victory against Pakistan of late.
Bangladesh have never won a Test match against India despite playing 13 matches. They have lost 11 and drew two.
In their last Test series in India in 2019, Bangladesh lost both of the Test matches by innings margin inside three days after being severely tormented by the Indian pacers on a spicy pitch.
The Tigers went to Pakistan with almost similar dismal record but ended up sweeping the two-match series for a historical feat in their country’s cricket history.
Shanto said Bangladesh have now all ingredients unlike the past time in their arsenal to break the win jinx against India even tough the home side would pose a tough challenge.
“We are aware that it is going to be a very challenging series for us,” Shanto told the reporters at the airport before the team departs for Chennai Sunday.
“But the team is oozing with confidence after a good series in Pakistan. There is extra confidence in the team and our people believe that we can beat India. Every series is an opportunity. We will play to win both matches.”
According to Shanto, they need to maintain the process without looking at the team India’s invincible record at home.
“No matter how tough the opponent is. The process matters most to win a match. We have to stick to our process. Our target will be to come out with our best. Good results are possible if we do our job properly,” he added.
The thing that will give Bangladesh an edge that they are visiting India, playing a Test series just a few days ago while the Men in Blue played their last Test series in January this year.
It is believed that since India played a Test series a long time ago, there will be some rust.
Bangladesh will be definitely looking to utilize this opportunity.
“They are much ahead of us in ranking but we have been playing well lately. We have had a good series in Pakistan which instilled confidence amongst us,” Shanto said.
“You have to play well over the five days to win a Test. Our goal is to play well for five days. The result may come in the last session on the last day. If we play good cricket for five days, there is a chance to win in the last session.”
Chennai will host first Test, beginning from September 19. The second Test starts from September 27 at Kanpur. The two Tests will be followed by a three-match T20 International series.
India have already started their preparation for Bangladesh series and their training method clearly indicated that they are worried about the Tigers after their glorious performance in Test cricket of late.
Bangladesh pushed India vehemently when the two sides played their last Test at Mirpur last year. India were able to win finally by three wickets but the way Bangladesh fought, indicated that they are no longer an easy prey in Test format.
