India look to spin a new yarn, can Bangladesh be the uninvited critic?

After a string of one-sided contests, the Men in Blue find itself grappling with an unexpected weakness, batting against spin. This is a far cry from the dominant performances fans have come to expect, and it raises questions about their readiness for the challenges ahead. They are poised for yet another thrilling twist as India prepare to face Bangladesh in a two-Test series starting today.

Fresh off a convincing 2-0 series win against Pakistan, Bangladesh is no longer the easy target they once were. This newly competitive spirit adds another layer of concern for India as they embark on a long season filled with ten Tests and a potential spot in the World Test Championship Final. The stakes have never been higher.

India boast an impressive home record of 40 wins and only four losses over the past decade. However, cracks are beginning to appear in this formidable facade, particularly over the last three years.

Also Read: IND vs BAN 1st Test: Mahmud's three-wicket haul restricts India to 88/3 at lunch on Day 1

Bangladesh's captain Najmul Hossain Shanto (R) and teammmate Mominul Haque walk back to pavilion during a lunch break (Pic: AFP)

The once-reliable Virat Kohli, who was a cornerstone of India's home success since 2015, has seen his numbers against spin take a nosedive. Since 2021, Kohli's average against spin has plummeted to a mere 30 across 15 Tests. This isn't a condemnation of his immense talent but rather a glaring statistic that both he and his fans would prefer to see addressed.

Similarly, Rohit Sharma, who once feasted on spin bowling, has seen his average against slower bowlers drop significantly since 2021. While he enjoyed an astonishing average of over 90 against spin after his elevation to the opener in 2017, that number has dwindled to a more pedestrian 44 over the same timeframe. KL Rahul, who is often touted as being equally adept against both spin and pace, paints an even bleaker picture. In five home Tests over the last three years, Rahul's average against spin has plummeted to 23.40, a statistic that could raise eyebrows among selectors and fans alike.

These statistics serve as a wake-up call for the Indian batting lineup, indicating a potential decline in their proficiency against spin. It is also a reminder that the ability to tackle spin bowling is a fundamental skill for players from this cricketing nation. Ryan ten Doeschate, India's assistant coach, recently highlighted this very concern after the team's disappointing performance against Sri Lankan spinners in a three-match ODI series, which ended in a 0-2 defeat.

On a brighter note, there are players like Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, and Yashasvi Jaiswal who have shown promise. Pant boasts an impressive average of 70 over five matches, while Gill has averaged 56 over ten. Jaiswal's staggering average of 115, albeit largely inflated by a series against England lacking a formidable spin attack, cannot be overlooked either.

However, the challenge posed by Bangladesh's left-arm spinners, including Shakib Al Hasan, Taijul Islam, and off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz, is likely to test their skills.

As India looks to combat Bangladesh's bowling prowess, they will rely on the explosive approach of Rishabh Pant, who is set to make his return to Test cricket following a serious car accident in 2022. His ability to unsettle opposing bowlers will be crucial, especially against a Bangladeshi spin attack that has the potential to wreak havoc on any given day.

On the bowling front, India's lineup appears formidable. The trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and the spin duo of R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja is as intimidating as they come, regardless of the conditions. The question remains whether India will opt for a third seamer, choosing between Akash Deep or Yash Dayal, or if they will follow the trend of deploying an additional spinner in Kuldeep Yadav, especially given the red-soil pitch at MA Chidambaram Stadium.

Additionally, India may consider reintroducing Axar Patel into the fold, which could enhance their late-order batting capabilities against a Bangladeshi attack that includes express bowlers Nahid Rana and Hasan Mahmud.

Meanwhile, new head coach Gautam Gambhir will be eager to set the tone for his tenure. After a rather underwhelming white-ball tour in Sri Lanka that ended with a 1-1 record, Gambhir will be driven to kick off this Test series on a winning note. His relentless pursuit of victory will undoubtedly add an intriguing dynamic to the team's approach.

Sharma may adopt a different perspective on personal milestones and pressures, but the collective effort of the team in this series will serve as a vital barometer for the challenges that lie ahead. This series, the first Test engagement for India in six months, is not just about securing victories; it is about setting a tone for a long and arduous season that could determine their fate in the World Test Championship.

The focus now will be on addressing their vulnerabilities against spin and recalibrating their approach to regain their dominance. The stakes are high, the competition is fierce, and the journey ahead promises to be both challenging and rewarding.

Whether they can navigate these hurdles will define not only their performance in this series but also their standing in the world of cricket for the coming year.