Ahead of the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh, former Indian all-rounder Suresh Raina has issued a stark warning to his countrymen: do not underestimate the visiting side. Raina, speaking on the sidelines of a Legends League Cricket event, emphasized the significant threat posed by Bangladesh’s potent spin attack, urging India to take the series seriously as crucial preparation for the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia later this year.
Raina, known for his own prowess in the game, highlighted the importance of the upcoming domestic season for Indian cricket, emphasizing that the Bangladesh series will serve as a critical litmus test ahead of a three-match series against New Zealand in October. The former India international also praised the BCCI’s initiative to include top international stars and emerging talents in the Duleep Trophy, a tournament scheduled to commence on September 5th. He believes this exposure to red-ball cricket will provide valuable insights and preparation for the upcoming challenges.
Specifically addressing Bangladesh’s strengths, Raina pointed to their formidable spin bowling attack, naming Shakib Al Hasan, Taijul Islam, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Mahedi Hasan as key threats. He believes that these bowlers, with their proven track records, could pose serious challenges to the Indian batting lineup.
Raina’s focus then shifted to India’s recent T20 World Cup triumph, where he reserved special praise for wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant. He commended Pant’s unwavering work ethic, positive mentality, and unwavering determination, attributes that were evident in his performance throughout the tournament. Pant finished as India’s third-highest run-scorer and set a new record for most dismissals by a wicketkeeper in a single T20 World Cup, playing a pivotal role in ending India’s 13-year ICC trophy drought. Raina believes that Pant’s dedication and talent are a valuable asset for the team’s future success.
With the upcoming Bangladesh series serving as a crucial stepping stone towards the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Raina’s warning serves as a timely reminder for India to approach the challenge with utmost seriousness. The series will provide a valuable opportunity to assess the team’s strengths and weaknesses, allowing them to fine-tune their strategies for the upcoming battles ahead.
