In a surprising decision at the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur, Indian captain Rohit Sharma chose to bowl first under cloudy skies in the first Test match against Bangladesh. This marks the first time India has opted to bowl first in a home Test since their 2015 game against South Africa in Bengaluru. It also represents a rare occurrence at this particular venue, where the last instance of a team electing to bowl first was as far back as 1964, when India’s Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi made the call against England.
The toss, initially scheduled for the morning, was delayed by an hour due to a wet outfield caused by overnight rain. Rohit cited the slight softness and additional grass on the surface as key factors behind his decision. He expressed confidence in India’s three-man pace attack, which he believed would exploit the conditions. India entered the game with an unchanged XI, signaling faith in their squad’s balance and recent form.
“The pitch had a bit of softness to it, and with the cloud cover, we hope our seamers can utilize the conditions early on,” said Rohit during the toss.
In contrast, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto revealed his team had intended to bat first regardless of the conditions, indicating a strategic preference for runs on the board. Bangladesh made two notable changes to their lineup, bringing in left-arm spinner Taijul Islam and pacer Khaled Ahmed, who replaced Taskin Ahmed and Nahid Rana. With three spinners and two fast bowlers, Bangladesh leaned towards a spin-heavy attack, aiming to exploit the turning conditions as the game progresses.
“Our approach was to bat first and then bring our spinners into play later in the game,” Shanto explained. “The pitch might offer assistance to spinners as it wears down.”
India’s unchanged lineup featured a potent mix of experience and young talent. The squad included top-order firepower in Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli, followed by wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant. The all-round capabilities of Ravindra Jadeja and the bowling prowess of seasoned spinners Ravichandran Ashwin alongside fast bowlers Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep completed the lineup.
Bangladesh’s XI, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, featured stalwart batsmen like Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan, while Litton Das took charge behind the stumps. Their bowling attack was spearheaded by spinners Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, with Hasan Mahmud and Khaled Ahmed providing the pace options.
As the match unfolds, the early phase will be critical for both teams. India’s seamers will aim to exploit the conditions, while Bangladesh will hope their decision to bat first pays off with a solid start.
India XI:
Rohit Sharma (capt), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
Bangladesh XI:
Shadman Islam, Zakir Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt), Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed
With both teams taking different approaches to the playing conditions, the Kanpur Test promises to be an intriguing contest. India’s decision to bowl first on a slightly damp surface contrasts sharply with Bangladesh’s confidence in their spinners, setting up a fascinating battle on day one.