Potential threats: Three Bangladesh players who could challenge India in the 2024 Test series

New Delhi: Bangladesh was not considered a strong contender for India in the two-Test series a month ago. However, with Pakistan's unexpected 2-0 defeat to Bangladesh on foreign soil, the scenario has shifted. Najmul Hossain Shanto and his team are now being taken more seriously. Despite their poor record of only one win in 13 Test matches against India, Bangladesh is determined to challenge the host, who has not lost a Test series at home since 2012.

Bangladesh will play in India for the first time since they last toured in 2019 when they lost the Test series against Virat Kohli’s side. India defeated them by an innings in both Test matches that took place in Indore and Kolkata. However, much has changed since then, particularly within the Bangladesh team, with several players stepping up. Here, we examine three players who could pose a significant threat to India in the upcoming series:

1. Nahid Rana

That was against West Indies in that second Test, and Nahid Rana, at 21, puts up a splendid show, bowling at over 150 kph, taking five wickets across two innings, including the costly wicket of star batter Babar Azam. With raw pace and the bouncy Chennai surface, Rana does pose a serious challenge. It’s going to be a big test for India, who will need to be very careful as spin is just one of the threats Bangladesh presents this time.

2. Mehidy Hasan

Mehidy Hasan has quietly established himself as perhaps the best all-rounder in Test cricket. This two-handed bowler has completed 45 Tests for Bangladesh and scored 1,625 runs and taken 174 wickets. Now 26, the time is right for him to take over from Shakib Al Hasan, who should soon bat higher up the order. Mehidy will play a very important role for Bangladesh in the bowling department, having taken already 11 wickets in two test matches against Pakistan last year. Not only is he is currently doing well, but even received Player of the Series after scoring 155 runs and taking 10 wickets in two innings against Pakistan. He will be one of those players if Bangladesh were to conquer a win over India for the first time.

3. Mushfiqur Rahim

Mushfiqur Rahim is one of the few Test cricket legends Bangladesh have ever produced. His innings, where he bashed a 191-run knock in the first Test against Pakistan, was the only source of inspiration from where the team won that series. Against India, Mushfiqur has 604 runs in 15 innings and is now 217 runs away from becoming the highest scorer of Test matches between India and Bangladesh. His shape is going to be crucial for Bangladesh, if they can seriously challenge India in the series that is ahead.