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Bangladesh will be travelling to India for a two-match Test series, starting September 19. The first match of the series will be played in MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, while the second one will be hosted by Green Park, Kanpur. Meanwhile, after a historic Test series win in Pakistan, the Najmul Hossain Shanto-led side will be fairly confident but playing India on their home turf is a different ballgame.

Notably, Bangladesh have never defeated India in Test cricket. They have played 13 matches, losing 11 of them, while two finished on level terms. In three Tests that they played in India, Bangladesh lost all of them. There’s enormous pressure on them this time around as well. However, they have defied the odds in recent times and will be hoping to keep up with the momentum against India as well. Which are the three players that will be vital for them in their pursuit? Let’s figure out:

3. Litton Das

Litton Das played a phenomenal knock of 138 runs in the first innings of the recent second Test against Pakistan. The visitors were reduced to 26/6 at one stage and needed a miracle to come out of the position, and Litton delivered a masterclass at that stage. He took some time to settle down and played one of his best knocks for Bangladesh to bail the team out of trouble.

The 29-year-old also made a half-century in the first Test against Pakistan. He is in good form and will be key for the team in the upcoming tour against India. Ahead of that, the cricketer also talked about taking responsibility. The cricketer noted that he is now a senior player in the squad and should take more responsibility to help his team win Test matches.

Also Read: ‘Now is the time to take responsibility’ – Litton Das ahead of marquee India tour

Meanwhile, Litton has played five Test matches against India. He has made 265 runs at an average of 37.85 and also has a half-century. This time the challenge will be difficult as both the grounds will offer assistance to the spinners and India have the likes of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja among others who can wreak havoc in such conditions.

2. Mehidy Hasan Miraz

All-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz is arguably Bangladesh’s best cricketer at the moment. In the recent series against Pakistan, the 26-year-old made 77 runs in the first innings and picked up five wickets in the first match. In the second game, he hit 78 runs and built a crucial partnership with Litton that helped the team gain momentum. He also picked up a five-wicket haul in the first innings, helping Bangladesh restrict the hosts to 274 runs in Rawalpindi.

The right-handed all-rounder has been extremely vital for the national team in the recent past. The cricketer has represented Bangladesh in 45 Test matches so far and scored 1625 runs and has already picked up 174 wickets. The conditions in India will heavily favour him, and thus, Miraz would be hoping to help Bangladesh win their first Test against the neighbouring country.

Meanwhile, Mehidy has played five Test matches against India in his career. He has made 188 runs at a poor average of 18.80. He also has 14 wickets to his name with the ball against India in the format.

1. Shakib Al Hasan

On number one is the former Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan knows what it takes to beat India on their home turf. He hasn’t done very well in the series against Pakistan, but a cricketer of his stature can never be counted out. The 37-year-old has played plenty of matches in the Indian subcontinent and understands how the conditions work, and that’s why he can be a massive threat to India.

The all-rounder has played eight Test matches against India in his career. He has scored 376 runs at an average of 26.85 and with the ball, he has 21 wickets to his name. Meanwhile, given his age, this can be Shakib’s last tour to India and he would hope to finish it on a good note and that is by helping Bangladesh win.

Also Check: Shakib Al Hasan impresses with four-for on Surrey debut

He will be extremely vital for the team. He has played enough cricket against the likes of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul among others, and knows their weaknesses well, courtesy of playing a lot in the IPL. The conditions will also help him and so, this is like a now or never moment for Shakib.