Although India were Bangladesh’s opponent in their inaugural Test in 2000, they are the last of the ICC full-member nation to host Bangladesh for a Test for the first time.

Bangladesh national cricket team reached India on Thursday to play their one-off Test against India, starting at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad on 9 February.

After getting Test status, Bangladesh featured in two limited-over tournaments in India to play ICC Champions Trophy qualifiers in 2006 and in the ICC World T20 in 2016.

Bangladesh toured to India four times — 1990, 1998, 2006 and 2016 — but never played Test cricket or even a bilateral series in the country.

India are in a better position against Bangladesh in terms of stats and team strength. Besides, the home condition will keep India ahead against Bangladesh. Moreover, the difference in Test ranking — India on top of the list with Bangladesh in ninth position — is a clear sign of India’s superior position. But, Indian batsman Karun Nair has denied to see things from such obvious viewpoint.     

Karun rose to immediate stardom after becoming the 300-run man in his debut Test against England recently. He is in the squad announced for the match against Bangladesh. Nair wants to keep up the performance against Tigers. Though Karun’s inclusion in India’s regular team is still uncertain, there is a strong possibility that he might make it in the playing XI against Bangladesh.   

The young batsman said, ‘It won’t be wise to take Bangladesh lightly. They have very shining records in recent times.’ Karun, however, did not forget to praise his team, ‘We are on the top of Test ranking list, and our team is very strong.’ India will play against Australia right after the match against Bangladesh.

‘Besides planning for Australia, we have plans for Bangladesh too’, he added.