IND vs BAN 2nd Test: India wins toss, Rohit chooses to ball; Check playing XI

IND vs BAN 2nd Test: The second Test match between India and Bangladesh kicked off today (September 27) at Green Park Stadium, Kanpur. Both teams have adopted contrasting strategies in their playing elevens, highlighting the tactical differences. While Bangladesh opted for a spin-heavy attack with three spinners, the Indian team showed confidence in its pace arsenal, fielding three fast bowlers. Rohit Sharma won the toss and decided to maintain his winning combination from the previous Chennai Test.

Contrasting team strategies

India, under Rohit Sharma's leadership, retained their winning XI from the first Test in Chennai. Rohit expressed faith in his pace trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep, and Mohammad Siraj, despite the typically spin-friendly conditions in Kanpur. On the other hand, the Bangladesh team, captained by Nazmul Hussain Shanto, opted for a more traditional approach by including three spinners in their lineup, a decision influenced by the pitch's historical favorability towards spin bowlers.

Rohit Sharma’s confidence in stability

After winning the toss, Rohit Sharma stated, "We’re going with the same team that won in Chennai." This decision underlines his belief in consistency and the momentum India has built from their recent victory. The Indian squad, packed with all-rounders like Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin, balances its pace and spin bowling attack while relying on its experienced batting lineup.

A glimpse at Kanpur’s Green Park test history

Green Park Stadium in Kanpur has been a significant venue for Indian cricket since 1952, when the first Test match was played here. Over the years, 23 Tests have been contested on this ground, with India winning seven matches and losing three, while 13 matches ended in draws. This Test, however, marks the first time Bangladesh is playing on this historic ground.

Team Lineups for the Kanpur Test

India’s Playing XI:

• Rohit Sharma (captain)
• Yashasvi Jaiswal
• Shubman Gill
• Virat Kohli
• KL Rahul
• Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper)
• Ravindra Jadeja
• Ravichandran Ashwin
• Jasprit Bumrah
• Akash Deep
• Mohammad Siraj

Bangladesh’s Playing XI:

• Shadman Islam
• Zakir Hasan
• Nazmul Hussain Shanto (captain)
• Mominul Haque
• Mushfiqur Rahim
• Shakib Al Hasan
• Litton Das (wicketkeeper)
• Mehdi Hasan Miraz
• Taijul Islam
• Hasan Mahmud
• Khaled Ahmed

As the second Test unfolds, it will be interesting to see how the contrasting approaches of both teams fare on a pitch that has a history of delivering surprises.