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Bangladesh embarks on a significant journey as they tour India for a bilateral Test series, marking only their third such visit and the first since 2019. This tour comes on the heels of a momentous achievement for Bangladesh, having just secured their most significant Test victory ever, a 2-0 series win against Pakistan in their own backyard. As the two-match Test series in India unfolds, anticipation runs high for the performance of several key Bangladesh players. Leading the charge is Bangladesh captain, Shanto, who played a pivotal role in the historic Pakistan triumph. His exceptional leadership skills, particularly in managing the fast-bowling attack, were instrumental in guiding the team to victory. Shanto, at 26, also serves as a bridge between Bangladesh's veteran players and the emerging talent. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) appointed Shanto as captain in November 2022 following their underwhelming performance at the World Cup in India. Shanto's captaincy debut was marked by a century in Sylhet, where Bangladesh secured their first-ever home victory against New Zealand. Despite facing a dip in form since March, Shanto remains the BCB's first choice captain due to his unwavering patience and battle-hardened temperament. Nahid Rana is another player attracting considerable attention in Bangladesh's fast-bowling arsenal. This young talent has already made a significant impact in his three Test appearances, consistently averaging a speed of 145 kph, with occasional bursts of 150 kph. Rana's exceptional performance in the second Test against Pakistan, where he claimed four wickets in the second innings, including a remarkable three-wicket spell in his first three overs, including dismissing Babar Azam and the in-form Saud Shakeel, showcased his potential. Rana's journey to the Test arena has been remarkably fast. He began playing with a cricket ball just five years ago. Following a rapid promotion to the first-class competition, he impressed with 32 wickets in the 2022-23 season, earning him a Test debut earlier this year. Shadman Islam, the left-handed opener, played a crucial role in setting the stage for Bangladesh's series victory in Pakistan. He showcased his patience and resilience by scoring a patient 93 in the first Test in Rawalpindi. Shadman displayed incredible composure while facing the formidable pace attack led by Shaheen Afridi. He steadily absorbed the pressure and unleashed his aggressive side when batting with Mushfiqur Rahim. Shadman narrowly missed out on his second Test century in the second Test, dismissed in the nineties. However, he continued to make significant contributions throughout the series, forming a strong opening partnership with Zakir Hasan. Mahmudul Hasan, a 24-year-old fast bowler, claimed his maiden five-wicket haul in the second Test against Pakistan, contributing to a historic moment for Bangladesh. He became the first Bangladeshi fast bowler to take all 10 wickets in a Test innings. Mahmud bowls at an average speed of 135 kph and possesses the skill to swing and seam the ball. Mahmud initially focused on white-ball cricket before making his Test debut against Sri Lanka earlier this year. In Pakistan, he impressed with his ability to make early inroads with the new ball and exert pressure on batters with the older ball. His contributions extended beyond bowling, showcasing his character by battling for two hours in a crucial eighth-wicket partnership with Litton Das in the second Test. As Bangladesh prepares to face the Indian challenge, the performances of these players will be closely watched. Shanto's leadership and the explosive pace of Rana, along with the steady contribution of Shadman and the all-round capabilities of Mahmud, will be crucial for Bangladesh's success. This series presents a valuable opportunity for these young players to solidify their positions in the team and showcase their talents on a global stage.
Source: Tearaway Rana, captain Shanto among Bangladesh players to watch in India