Hathurusinghe feels the team is ready for Test series against India

Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe believes his current squad is the most balanced he has seen, as the team gears up for their two-match Test series against India. Key players Shakib Al Hasan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Mushfiqur Rahim are expected to play pivotal roles as Bangladesh aims to build on their recent success in Test cricket away from home.

Despite winning only eight of their 67 away matches, Bangladesh's recent victories, including their historic win against Pakistan, have bolstered the team's confidence. Hathurusinghe emphasised the significance of the way Bangladesh has handled tough situations in recent games. "The win in Pakistan certainly gives us a lot of confidence coming into this series," Hathurusinghe said. "The way we played, coming back from difficult positions, and different players stepping up at crucial moments gives us belief."

Hathurusinghe credited the experienced trio of Shakib, Mehidy, and Mushfiqur for their leadership and consistency, which continues to complement the performances of the younger players. "Shakib's all-round ability allows us to balance the team perfectly, whether we need an extra bowler or batsman. His experience is invaluable," Hathurusinghe remarked.

He also praised Mehidy Hasan Miraz, calling him Bangladesh’s most improved player over the last five or six years. "Mehidy is ready to take over whenever Shakib steps away. His bowling is always reliable, and his batting has developed tremendously. Plus, he's an exceptional fielder," Hathurusinghe added.

As Bangladesh prepares to face India’s renowned spinners, R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, Mushfiqur Rahim’s meticulous preparation stands out. Hathurusinghe compared Mushfiqur’s dedication to that of Sachin Tendulkar. "Mushfiqur told me on the flight to India that he averages 55 here. His professionalism and preparation are at another level."

With Bangladesh having lost all three of their previous Tests in India, Hathurusinghe is optimistic that this well-rounded team will pose a greater challenge this time. "This team covers a lot of bases—we’ve got good fast bowlers, an experienced spin attack, and solid batting depth," he said. "With two spinners who are genuine batters and wicketkeepers who are among our top batsmen, we’re in a much better position to be competitive in this series."