India has been a fortress for the national cricket team, with visiting sides finding it nearly impossible to breach their stronghold. Bangladesh, too, learned this hard lesson recently.
The Unbeaten Record
India’s current streak of 17 consecutive home series wins, which began after their loss to England in 2012, is a testament to their supremacy. Most of the current squad members, apart from veterans like Virat Kohli, R Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja, have never experienced a Test series defeat on home soil.
Opponents’ Perspective
The aura of invincibility is palpable. Bangladeshi players, who recently defeated Pakistan, acknowledged the stark difference when facing India. As one of them put it, “Yes, we won in Pakistan, but Team India is a different challenge altogether.”
Preparation for Bigger Challenges
Captain Rohit Sharma is eager to secure a spot in the World Test Championship Final before the team heads to Australia. The dominant 280-run victory over Bangladesh at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium was the first step in this direction.
Tactical Moves in Chennai
In a surprising strategic move, India opted not to use their preferred black-soil pitch, despite possessing the world’s best spin trio. Instead, they played on a red-soil surface with decent bounce, possibly to prepare for the upcoming Australian series. When the team was struggling at 144/6, the batting strength of all-rounders Ashwin and Jadeja showcased India’s depth and resilience.
Future Gameplan
The focus now shifts to the Kanpur Test. Speculation surrounds the selection of Jasprit Bumrah, who bowled only 21 overs in the first Test. Some believe he should be rested to avoid fatigue before the crucial Australia tour. There’s also talk of giving left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav a chance on a black-soil pitch, given his recent form against England.
No Complacency
Despite two low scores from Rohit and Kohli in the first Test, the rest of the batting order and the five bowlers delivered as expected. The team appears well-prepared, and it will be intriguing to see how they approach the upcoming challenges.
With every box ticked in Chennai, Team India continues to exude confidence, further solidifying their dominance at home.
