Team India is gearing up for an exciting new season as they kick off their practice sessions in Chennai ahead of the highly anticipated Test series against Bangladesh, set to begin on September 19. This first match will take place in Chennai itself, making the city’s ground a crucial battleground for the two teams. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has organized a training camp from September 13 to 18, which is mandatory for all selected players, ensuring they are well-prepared for the series.
First Day of Camp: A Glimpse into Team Dynamics
As the days countdown to the home series against Bangladesh, the Indian players have settled into their camp in Chennai. The inaugural day of training saw prominent players like captain Rohit Sharma and cricketing stalwart Virat Kohli on the field, participating actively in the preparations under the watchful eye of head coach Gautam Gambhir and his dedicated coaching staff. The BCCI shared glimpses of this first day on social media, showcasing the team’s warm-up and strategy discussions. Notably, while Gambhir engaged the players with tactical explanations, Kohli appeared to be more focused on a game of football, highlighting the relaxed yet intense atmosphere of the camp.
Building Team Spirit and Strategy
The countdown begins as #TeamIndia begin their preps for an exciting home season. #INDvBAN pic.twitter.com/VlIvau5AfD
— BCCI (@BCCI) September 13, 2024
Alongside Gambhir, the coaching staff, including batting coach Abhishek Nair, bowling coach Morne Morkel, fielding coach T Dilip, and assistant coach Ryan Ten Doeschate, were also present. Abhishek Nair took the initiative to converse with the players, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and teamwork. Towards the end of the session, Rohit Sharma was spotted having discussions with players, showcasing the collaborative spirit of the team as they refine their tactics and strategies.
The Upcoming India vs. Bangladesh Test Matches
The first Test match between India and Bangladesh is slated to take place in Chennai from September 19 to 23. Following this, the second Test will be held in Kanpur from September 27 to October 1. The series will conclude with a T20 series, which includes three matches, commencing in Dharamsala on October 8, followed by matches in Delhi on October 9 and Hyderabad. This home season provides a significant opportunity for Team India to showcase their skills and recover vital points in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings.
Current Standing in the WTC Table
In the ongoing cycle of the World Test Championship, a total of nine teams are competing. However, Pakistan’s elimination from contention after their series loss to Bangladesh leaves only eight teams vying for the title. Currently, India stands proudly at the top of the WTC table with an impressive 68.52 percentage points, while Bangladesh occupies the fourth position with 45.83 percentage points. As the series against Bangladesh draws closer, the stakes are high, and Team India is poised to demonstrate their dominance on home soil.
