Tigers to depart for India Sunday

Bangladesh national cricket team is set to depart for India on Sunday afternoon, embarking on a pivotal tour that includes a two-match Test series followed by a three-match T20I series against the formidable hosts.

While India has traditionally been a dominant force in cricket, the rivalry between the two nations has intensified in recent years, with both teams striving for supremacy in the region. 

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed the travel plans on Saturday. Ahead of the team's departure, captain Najmul Hossain Shanto is expected to address the media, sharing insights on their preparation and ambitions for the series.

Bangladesh has already announced its 16-member squad for the Test series. Left-arm pacer Shoriful Islam, who featured in the Pakistan tour, has been sidelined due to injury. In his place, wicketkeeper-batter Jaker Ali has earned his first call-up to the Test team. Shoriful is expected to return for the T20I series.

India, too, has named a full-strength squad, with the series marking the start of their home season. Historically, Bangladesh has struggled against India, having played 13 Test matches without securing a single win — losing 11 and drawing 2. However, buoyed by their recent historic Test series win in Pakistan, where they claimed both matches, Bangladesh enters the India series with newfound confidence.

Key players from the Pakistan triumph, including Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, along with young pacers Hasan Mahmud and Nahid Rana, will aim to maintain their impressive form. Allrounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz expressed optimism, stating that the team is confident in its ability to challenge the Indian side this time.

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly acknowledged Bangladesh's strong performance in Pakistan but expressed doubt about their ability to replicate it against India. Nevertheless, Bangladesh is determined to make history on Indian soil.

The first Test will be played in Chennai, beginning on September 19, followed by the second Test in Kanpur starting on September 27.

Bangladesh Squad for India Tests:  
Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Shadman Islam, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Jaker Ali, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana, Taijul Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Nayeem Hasan, Khaled Ahmed.