As the second Test between India and Bangladesh unfolds at Kanpur's Green Park Stadium, cricket fans are eagerly watching key player performances and the overall match conditions. With the backdrop of Kohli's recent net struggles against his teammates, and Shakib Al Hasan’s fitness being a potential game-changer for Bangladesh, both teams are poised for an exciting showdown.
Virat Kohli’s Struggles in the Nets
Under the intense Kanpur sun, Virat Kohli faced Jasprit Bumrah during a net session, where he was notably dismissed four times. Initially appearing comfortable against Bumrah's opening deliveries, Kohli soon found himself in trouble as Bumrah ramped up his pace and line. Kohli acknowledged being beaten by a delivery that struck his pads, which led to Bumrah’s shout of "saamne laga hai" (You are plumb).
Despite managing to play a classic cover drive that thrilled spectators, he couldn't evade Bumrah's clever adjustments, leading to two additional dismissals in quick succession. The spinner trio of Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel awaited Kohli in the parallel nets, where he faced challenges against their spin bowling. Kohli’s issues against left-arm spinners were evident, particularly when Axar clean-bowled him, a moment that might raise questions about his current form heading into the Test.
The Shakib Al Hasan Conundrum
On the other side of the pitch, Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan’s fitness remains a focal point of concern. After a disappointing performance in Chennai, where he went wicketless and scored modest runs, Shakib appeared frustrated during practice, walking off after only brief sessions against local spinners. Bangladesh's head coach, Chandika Hathurusinghe, attempted to assuage fears regarding Shakib's fitness, emphasizing that he is still eligible for selection.
Hathurusinghe expressed confidence in Shakib's abilities, stating, “We all know what he’s capable of.” This raises a significant question for Bangladesh's lineup as they prepare to face a dominant Indian side that just claimed victory by a commanding 280 runs in the first Test.
The Current State of the Match
With the toss for the 2nd Test delayed due to a wet outfield, both teams remain on edge. India aims for a series sweep to solidify their standing in the World Test Championship. The pitch at Green Park, traditionally favorable to spin, will likely impact team strategies.
As the players warm up, cricket analysts speculate on whether India will bat first should they win the toss, with conditions hinting at a challenging day for batsmen. The presence of key players like Kohli and Shakib could very well dictate the tempo of the match.
Conclusion
As the cricket world watches closely, the 2nd Test promises thrilling action amidst the uncertainty surrounding player form and fitness. With Virat Kohli looking to regain his footing against formidable bowling and Shakib Al Hasan potentially key to Bangladesh’s strategy, this Test is set to be a decisive encounter in the ongoing series.