India are currently placed at the top of the World Test Championship points table while Bangladesh are at fourth position. The Test in Chennai, to be played on a red-soil pitch, also marks the start of the Indian men’s team’s international home season.
India’s last Test assignment saw them beat England 4-1 at home, while Bangladesh came on the back of securing a remarkable 2-0 series win over Pakistan in Rawalpindi.
After winning the toss, captain Najmul Hossain Shanto said his decision was based on exploiting the early moisture on offer at Chepauk.
A series sweep against Bangladesh will cement India’s place atop the World Test Championship (WTC) standings but the team under Rohit Sharma are guarding against any complacency in the two-match home series beginning in Chennai today.
India are hoping to make the WTC final for the third time in a row and are eyeing a strong start to their season, which also includes three home Tests against New Zealand followed by five in Australia.
