Toss Delayed Due to Rain, India Prepares for Dominance
The highly anticipated 2nd Test between India and Bangladesh, scheduled to begin at the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur, has been delayed due to a wet outfield. This match is crucial for India as they seek to complete a series whitewash against the visiting Bangladesh team.
Team Lineups and Strategies
India, fresh from a convincing 280-run victory in the 1st Test in Chennai, is likely to field a strong lineup. The probable playing XI includes Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep, and Kuldeep Yadav. Kuldeep Yadav is set to return to the team, replacing Mohammed Siraj who had a brief injury scare during the first Test.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, will be looking to overcome their batting woes and put up a stronger fight. Their squad includes Shadman Islam, Zakir Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, and Taijul Islam. Shakib Al Hasan has emphasized the need for Bangladesh batsmen to convert their starts into big scores, a challenge he has thrown to his team for the Kanpur Test.
Pitch Conditions and Tactical Decisions
The pitch at Green Park Stadium is expected to be spin-friendly, which could favor India's world-class spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. However, the curators have prepared two types of tracks – one typical to Kanpur's black soil pitch that aids spinners and another that is pace-friendly, similar to the one in Chennai. The choice of pitch will significantly influence India's squad selection, with Kuldeep Yadav likely to be included as an extra spin option.
Leadership and Emerging Talent
This home Test season is also an audition for India's emerging leadership group. With no designated vice-captain named for the series, players like Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, and Yashasvi Jaiswal are being closely watched for their leadership qualities. India's assistant coach Abhishek Nayar has praised these players, noting their experience in leading their franchises in the IPL and their impressive development as international cricketers.
Weather Concerns
The weather forecast indicates a significant rain threat during the five days of the match, which could disrupt the proceedings. The toss has already been delayed due to a wet outfield, and the rain gods may continue to play a role in the match.
Where to Watch
Fans can catch the live action of the India vs Bangladesh 2nd Test on the Sports18 Network. For those preferring online streaming, the match will be available on the JioCinema app or website.
Historical Context and WTC Implications
A win in the Kanpur Test would not only secure a series whitewash but also have significant implications for India in the World Test Championship (WTC) points table. If the match ends in a draw, India could lose crucial points, affecting their standings in the WTC.
As the stage is set for an intense battle at Green Park, India will be keen to capitalize on their momentum and secure another convincing victory, while Bangladesh will aim to overcome their historical struggles against India and put up a formidable fight.
