India vs Bangladesh LIVE: 1st Test Day 1 – Rohit Sharma Eyes Records as India Battles Bangladesh in Crucial WTC Match

09/18/2024 Pihu 5 min read

As the highly anticipated 1st Test between India vs Bangladesh kicks off in Chennai, cricket fans worldwide are in for a thrilling red-ball showdown. This two-match series is critical for India as it marks their return to Test cricket after a six-month hiatus, aiming to secure vital points for the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25.

With rain threatening to play spoilsport and the spotlight on the pitch conditions, Rohit Sharma is eyeing multiple records as the Indian team takes to the field. Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss and opted to bowl first, putting India to bat on a pitch that could favor fast bowlers initially.

Let’s dive into the details of the match, focusing on the key players, the pitch report, and what to expect from both teams.

Table of Contents

1. India’s Surprising Team Selection for the 1st Test

India’s team selection has taken many by surprise, as captain Rohit Sharma announced at the toss that India would be going with three pacers—Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep, and Mohammed Siraj—and two spinners—Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. This decision goes against earlier predictions that India would opt for three spinners, especially given the spin-friendly nature of the MA Chidambaram Stadium pitch.

India’s Playing XI for the 1st Test:

Rohit Sharma (c)
Yashasvi Jaiswal
Shubman Gill
Virat Kohli
KL Rahul
Rishabh Pant (wk)
Ravindra Jadeja
Ravichandran Ashwin
Jasprit Bumrah
Akash Deep
Mohammed Siraj

2. Bangladesh’s Strategy and Playing XI

Bangladesh, on the other hand, has also opted for a balance of pace and spin, fielding three seamers to take advantage of the initial moisture in the pitch. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto believes that the early hours of the match will be crucial for Bangladesh’s pacers.

Bangladesh’s Playing XI:

Shadman Islam
Zakir Hasan
Najmul Hossain Shanto (c)
Mominul Haque
Mushfiqur Rahim
Shakib Al Hasan
Litton Das (wk)
Mehidy Hasan Miraz
Taskin Ahmed
Hasan Mahmud
Nahid Rana

3. Rohit Sharma’s Record-Breaking Quest

Rohit Sharma, India’s captain, is on the cusp of setting new records during this series. The 36-year-old opener is just a few centuries away from joining the elite club of Indian cricketers with the most Test hundreds. In addition, Sharma could surpass several milestones in terms of total runs scored in Test cricket, further cementing his legacy as one of the greats in Indian cricket history.

4. Pitch Report and Weather Forecast

The MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai is notorious for its challenging conditions, especially as the game progresses. The pitch, a red-soil surface, promises plenty of bounce and turn—ideal for spinners in the later stages of the match. However, the first session of Day 1 is expected to favor the fast bowlers, thanks to the residual moisture underneath the surface.

The weather forecast also suggests a chance of rain, particularly in the afternoon session. The cloud cover could further assist the seamers, making the toss victory crucial for Bangladesh as they opted to bowl first.

5. The Importance of This Series in the World Test Championship

India’s journey in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 resumes with this series against Bangladesh. With 10 matches remaining in the WTC cycle, every win is crucial for Rohit Sharma’s team to secure their spot in the WTC final.

After a long break from red-ball cricket, India will be keen to return to winning ways, especially after their impressive 4-1 Test series win against England earlier this year.

6. Key Battles to Watch Out For

Rohit Sharma vs Taskin Ahmed: Can the Indian skipper outplay Bangladesh’s leading fast bowler on a pace-friendly pitch?
Ravindra Jadeja vs Shakib Al Hasan: A battle between two of the world’s best all-rounders, each capable of turning the game with both bat and ball.
Virat Kohli vs Mehidy Hasan Miraz: Kohli’s dominance in Test cricket will be tested against the off-spin of Mehidy, who has troubled top-order batsmen in the past.

7. India’s Batting Order Strategy

India’s batting order features a mix of experience and youth. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill will open the innings, hoping to provide India with a solid start. Following them are seasoned campaigners Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, along with the explosive Rishabh Pant in the middle order. With Ravindra Jadeja and Ashwin providing depth, India’s batting lineup looks formidable.

8. Bangladesh’s Bowling Attack

Bangladesh’s bowling attack, led by Taskin Ahmed, will aim to exploit the favorable conditions early on. With three pacers—Taskin, Hasan Mahmud, and Nahid Rana—Bangladesh will be looking for early breakthroughs to put India under pressure.

The spinners, particularly Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, will play a key role as the pitch deteriorates.

9. Will Rain Affect the Match?

The forecast suggests a 45-50% chance of rain during Day 1, which could result in interruptions. However, with a modern drainage system in place at the stadium, it is unlikely to cause a washout. Fans will be hoping for minimal disruption, as the match promises to be a thrilling contest between two competitive teams.

10. FAQs About India vs Bangladesh 1st Test Day 1

When and where is the India vs Bangladesh 1st Test being played?
The 1st Test is being played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai from September 19, 2024.
Who won the toss in the India vs Bangladesh 1st Test?
Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bowl first.
What is the weather forecast for Day 1 of the 1st Test?
There is a 45-50% chance of rain in the afternoon, but interruptions are expected to be minimal.
Who are the key players to watch out for in the 1st Test?
For India, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah are key players. For Bangladesh, Taskin Ahmed, Shakib Al Hasan, and Litton Das will be crucial.
What are India’s chances in the World Test Championship?
India has 10 matches left in the WTC 2023-25 cycle. Winning this series is vital for their qualification hopes.
Why did India opt for three pacers instead of three spinners?
India chose three pacers due to the moisture in the pitch, which is expected to favor fast bowling in the first session.
Who is opening the batting for India?
Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal are the openers for India in the 1st Test.
Will the pitch favor spinners or pacers?
The pitch is expected to assist pacers in the early stages, but it will favor spinners as the game progresses.
Who is captaining the Bangladesh team?
Najmul Hossain Shanto is leading the Bangladesh team.
How can I watch the India vs Bangladesh 1st Test live?
The match is being broadcast live on Star Sports and streamed on Disney+ Hotstar.

Stay tuned for live updates and in-depth analysis as the India vs Bangladesh 1st Test Day 1 unfolds!