IND vs BAN: Gavaskar warns Team India, terms Bangladesh a 'formidable opponent'

Gavaskar warns Team India ahead of first Test against Bangladesh. (File Photo)

Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has warned the Indian team, led by Rohit Sharma, not to underestimate Bangladesh in the forthcoming two-match Test series. Bangladesh’s recent 2-0 victory over Pakistan in a historic sweep has underscored their potential as a formidable opponent.

The team has a history of surprising India and providing tough competition, as seen in their performances during the 2007 ODI World Cup, the 2012 Asia Cup, and the unexpected series defeats in 2015 and 2022. In the Dhaka Test two years ago, Bangladesh came close to securing their first-ever Test win against India before Shreyas Iyer and Ravichandran Ashwin clinched the victory for the Indian side.

"By beating Pakistan in both the Test matches played in Pakistan, the Bangladesh team have shown that they are a force to reckon with. Even a couple of years back, when India toured Bangladesh, they were given a good fight by the Bangladeshis. Now with the series win against Pakistan under their belt, they are primed to take on India too," Gavaskar wrote in his column for Mid-Day.

Gavaskar also emphasised the presence of talented players in the Bangladesh squad, including promising newcomers who no longer feel intimidated by their opponents.

"They have some fine players in their ranks and some new promising players who no longer have the awe of the opposition that seemed to characterise their early forays into the international game. Now, every team that plays them knows they can't let their guard down, as they could be knocked over, as the Pakistanis found out. It will certainly be a series to look forward to," Gavaskar added.

Currently, India lead the WTC table with 74 points and a 68.52 percentage, narrowly ahead of second-placed Australia, while Bangladesh are closely following in fourth place.