India vs Bangladesh: 7 players who can turn the tide in the upcoming Test series

India are all set to host Bangladesh in a two-match Test series starting from September 19, 2024. The series promises to be an intriguing contest with both teams featuring a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talents looking to make an impact. While the cricketing world is watching closely, a few players stand out as potential game changers. Yashasvi Jaiswal with his explosive batting and Litton Das, fresh off a record-breaking performance, are sure to grab attention. Meanwhile, the return of Rishabh Pant adds excitement, while the all-round brilliance of Ravindra Jadeja and the spin threat of Mehidy Hasan Miraz will be key. These players are poised to play key roles in what promises to be an enthralling series.

1. Yashasvi Jaiswal: Rising Star

Yashasvi Jaiswal has quickly become one of the most sought-after young talents in world cricket. The 22-year-old opener has already made a significant impact in his short Test career, playing nine matches and amassing 1,028 runs. With an average of 68.5, including four centuries and two half-centuries, Jaiswal has shown that he is more than capable of handling the pressures of international cricket.

Jaiswal’s technique is solid and his temperament impressive for someone so young. His ability to build innings and accelerate when required makes him a key player for India at the top of the order. The world has noticed his potential and this series against Bangladesh could be another milestone in his budding career. With pitches in India expected to be friendly to batsmen, Jaiswal could have another fruitful series and further cement his place in the Indian Test team.

2. Litton Das: Late Bloom

Litton Das has been a key part of Bangladesh’s middle-order for a few years now, but has only recently begun to fulfil his potential. In the recent series against Pakistan, Litton was outstanding, scoring a hundred to help Bangladesh secure a memorable victory. Often considered the “flower that never blossomed”, Litton seems to be finding his rhythm at international level.

With 43 Test matches to his name, Litton has scored 2655 runs at an average of 34.93, including 17 half-centuries and four centuries. His ability to play both pace and spin with ease makes him an important part of the Bangladesh squad. In the upcoming series against India, Litton will need to be at his best to counter India’s potent attack. If he can carry over his form from the series against Pakistan into this one, he could be a game-changer for Bangladesh.

3. Mehidy Hasan Miraz: The Master of Spin

Mehidy Hasan Miraz has established himself as one of Bangladesh’s best spinners and his performances in the 2022 series against India were a testament to his skills. In this series, Mehidy has been a constant threat to the Indian batsmen, taking crucial wickets and playing an important role with the bat as well. His ability to contribute in both departments makes him a valuable asset for Bangladesh.

In his 44 Test matches, Mehidy has taken 147 wickets at an average of 33.41. He has also shown his skills with the bat, often providing crucial runs in the bottom order. His recent performance against Pakistan, where he was named Player of the Series, further underlines his importance to the team. Mehidy’s ability to exploit the subcontinental conditions will be crucial in the upcoming series, and India will have to be wary of his threat.

4. Hasan Mahmud: The Rising Pace Sensation

Hasan Mahmud is one of the new faces in the Bangladesh Test team, having made his debut earlier this year. However, he has already shown that he has what it takes to succeed at the highest level. In ODI matches, Hasan has been exceptional, taking 30 wickets in 22 matches, including a recent five-wicket haul against Pakistan.

Hasan’s pace and ability to move the ball make him a dangerous bowler, especially in conditions that offer some assistance to the bowlers. While he is still relatively inexperienced in Test cricket, his performances in the limited-overs format suggest he could be a key player for Bangladesh in the future. In the upcoming series against India, Hasan will have the opportunity to prove his worth in the longest format of the game.

5. Rishabh Pant: The X Factor

Rishabh Pant’s return to Test cricket is one of the most anticipated events in Indian cricket. After a long break due to a serious accident in 2022, Pant is back in the team and is ready to make his mark once again. Known for his aggressive style of play and match-winning ability, Pant has the potential to change the course of a game in a matter of minutes.

Pant has played 33 Test matches, scoring 2271 runs at an average of 43.7, including five centuries and 11 half-centuries. His fearless approach and ability to handle any bowling attack make him a key player for India, especially in the middle order. However, Pant is also under pressure to maintain his position with Dhruv Jurel knocking on the door with impressive performances in the recent series against England. This competition for the wicketkeeper-batsman position could bring out the best in Pant, making him a player to watch in the upcoming series.

6. Sarfaraz Khan: Domestic dynamo

Sarfaraz Khan was a revelation in domestic cricket, earning the nickname “Don Bradman of First-Class Cricket” due to his astonishing average. After years of consistent performances in the domestic circuit, Sarfaraz finally got a chance in the Indian Test team and he did not disappoint. In his debut series against England, Sarfaraz made an immediate impact, scoring three half-centuries in five innings.

The 26-year-old right-handed bowler is tipped to be the next VVS Laxman, especially given his ability to rescue the team in difficult situations. Playing at number six, Sarfaraz’s role will be crucial in providing stability to the Indian middle-order. With a strong temperament and solid technique, Sarfaraz is all set to become a regular fixture in the Indian Test team, and the series against Bangladesh could be another milestone in his career.

7. Ravindra Jadeja: The Veteran All-rounder

Ravindra Jadeja has been a mainstay of the Indian cricket team for over a decade, known for his all-round skills and match-winning performances. Jadeja recently announced his retirement from T20 Internationals to focus on longer formats, and this series against Bangladesh will be an opportunity for him to prove his worth in the Test team.

Jadeja has played 72 Test matches, scoring 3036 runs at an average of 36.18 and taking 294 wickets at an average of 24.1. In the last Test series before this one, Jadeja scored a century, highlighting his skills with the bat. With the Indian middle order set to move on, Jadeja’s experience will be crucial, especially if Kohli and Pant are not firing on all cylinders. His all-round skills, especially in Indian conditions, make him a key player in the upcoming series against Bangladesh.

As India prepare to face Bangladesh, these seven players will undoubtedly play a key role in determining the outcome of the series. Whether it is the emerging talents of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sarfaraz Khan, the comeback story of Rishabh Pant or the all-round prowess of Ravindra Jadeja, the series promises to be an exciting showcase of skill and determination. For Bangladesh, players like Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Hasan Mahmud will need to be at their best to challenge the Indian team on their home turf. This series is not just a battle between two teams, but a stage where these players can showcase their talents and further cement their place in the world of cricket.

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