DHAKA, Sept 17, 2024 (BSS) - Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusingha believes his team can be extremely competitive against India in the upcoming Test series because of the balance that gave the team a cushion to play extra batter or bowler. 

"We have come with a lot of pacers and we got good fast bowlers. We got a really good experienced spin attack,” Hathurusingha told the reporters after Bangladesh completed its practice session at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai today.

“And then the batting, we actually have batting depth because of two reasons. One is two of our spinners are genuine batters who got Test hundreds. And then two of our wicketkeepers who are our main batters. So, the balance of the team for this series is really good and that actually gives us a lot more confidence that we can be competitive in the series,” he added.

Even though Bangladesh of late dominated India in ODI cricket and pushed the neighbouring country vehemently in T20 cricket, they can never beat ‘Men in Blue’ in Test format despite meeting 13 times. They have lost 11 and drawn two Tests, courtesy to inclement weather.

But this time the vibe was super positive as everyone –from the team management to mass people—believes that Bangladesh can beat India in Test cricket. India have been invincible at home, not losing any Test series for more than 4000 days. They in fact won successive 17 Test series at home in the last 12 years. In this period, they lost only four Test matches. 

Bangladesh knew that they have an uphill task at hands but their confidence stemmed from their 2-0 sweep against Pakistan recently.

"I think this is probably the most rounded team produced from Bangladesh in my tenure this time," Hathurusingha said, adding that if they can replicate the character they showed against Pakistan, then it is possible to bring out positive result from this India tour.

"Certainly, the Test series win in Pakistan gives us a lot of confidence coming into the series. Not because of the outcome of the series, but the way we played in that series, the way we handled certain situations,” he said.

“We were behind the game in both Test matches and then how we came back and then the people who contributed at different times, it gives us a lot of belief for this series,” he added.

When Bangladesh last visited India in 2019, they lost both of the Test matches by an innings margin and inside two and half days. Even though this time, they are high on confidence, there was pressure of high expectation too.

Playing down the pressure factor, Hathurusingha said: "Pressure is a privilege. I think it gives us a lot more belief that there is something to look forward as well. But then we really understand where we stand and our strength and limitations. But we are really encouraged by playing the best team in the world like coming in India and playing against India, that's the best challenge you can get nowadays in cricket.”

"So, playing against the best always makes you feel where you stand and as a sportsman, we are looking forward to that challenge,” the head coach said.

Hathurusingha however hoped that the talismanic all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan will stand tall in the series. He said Shakib has been a blessing for the side over the years because of giving Bangladesh a cushion of playing an extra batter and an extra bowler for his genuine all-round skill.

"He always plays a huge part in Bangladesh cricket whenever he is available. He obviously gives us the luxury to balance the team the way we want. The way we want to play an extra bowler or extra batsman because of his all-round capability," he opined. 

"So he gives that adaptability as well as huge experience. He is probably one of the longest-running international players going around and he's coming from playing County matches. We have seen him in good shape. So he brings a lot in the team not only his skill set but otherwise as well,” he said.

The two-match series opening Test kicks off in Chennai from September 19 while Kanpur will host the second and final Test, starting from September 27.