Former India cricketer Dinesh Karthik is confident that the Indian team will dominate Bangladesh in the upcoming two-match Test series. The first Test will be played in Chennai from September 19 onwards, while the second Test will be hosted by Kanpur from September 27.
Both matches are part of the ICC WTC 2025 cycle. India leads the WTC table with 68.52 percentage points, followed by Australia at 62.50 percentage points. Bangladesh ranks fourth, with 45.83 percentage points.
However, Bangladesh is coming off a historic 2-0 Test series win over Pakistan, the first time they defeated the Men in Green in the red-ball format.
Speaking about India's chances, Karthik stressed that defeating India in Tests on their home turf is a huge challenge. India hasn't lost a Test series since 2012 at home, and are on a 17-Test series winning streak.
"I personally don't think so. I think beating India in India is a humongous task. Bangladesh has played well in Pakistan. But no, I don't think there will be much trouble for India to beat Bangladesh," Karthik said on Cricbuzz.
When discussing India's team selection, Karthik mentioned the idea of incorporating promising pacer Harshit Rana. However, he pointed out that the team already boasts four established medium pacers.
"Could there be a chance for Harshit Rana? I thought he bowled very well, something very special about him. They already have four medium pacers, who are good medium pacers. So, it's a good team," Karthik said.
Karthik also advised that India create pace-friendly surfaces for the series, which would aid against Bangladesh while also preparing for the forthcoming series against Australia.
"I get the feeling India's going to play on slightly pace-oriented pitches, knowing that it's a good way to beat Bangladesh. Also, they will be preparing for the Australian Test series. I think they will only play with two spinners—Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja—followed by three fast bowlers," he explained.
Regarding KL Rahul's role in the team, Karthik praised his improvement as a wicketkeeper but voiced concerns about the physical demands of keeping in Test matches.
"KL Rahul is a very good keeper, who has improved a lot. And I don't think it's fair to call him a part-time wicketkeeper anymore. Keeping in Test cricket is hard work across five days, and he's had his struggles with injuries. He has a back he needs to take care of in the long run. So, I don't think it's fair to entrust him with the keeping spot. But I genuinely feel he will make it as a batter and do really well this season,” Karthik signed off.
Indian team has arrived in Chennai and began preparations for the first Test.
(Cricbuzz inputs)
