Bangladesh all-rounder Mehedi Hasan Miraz believes there will be expectations on them during their tour of India later this month comprising two Test matches and three Twenty20 Internationals.
Miraz said the historic 2-0 series sweep against hosts Pakistan has triggered high expectations among Bangladesh fans.
“The expectation rises whenever we play well. It is important for us to play well. The team at the moment is highly motivated and we are looking forward to the India series,” said Miraz to the media in the sidelines of the ongoing national team camp at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium Monday.
Bangladesh team is scheduled to travel to India next Sunday.
The series will begin with the first Test in Chennai from September 19.
The second and final Test will be played in Kanpur from September 27.
The three T20I games will be played in Gwalior, Delhi and Hyderabad on October 6, 9 and 12 respectively.
Bangladesh last toured neighboring India in 2019 and had failed to put up competition.
The visitors made a good start to the tour winning the first T20I but then went on to lose the series 2-1 and also conceded a whitewash in the two-match Test series.
The situation for Bangladesh is different now.
The Tigers have won five out of their last eight matches, against teams like New Zealand and Pakistan.
“Of course it will be challenging facing a big team like India. We have played Tests there [in India] before and we did not do well. We will be traveling with expectations this time and we will try to enjoy that. We will be able to do well if can throw some challenge to them [India team]. We are looking forward to putting up some fight,” said Miraz.
Board of Control for Cricket in India declared a 16-man squad for the first Bangladesh Test.
Rishabh Pant returned to the Test fold for the first time since December 2022.
Uncapped left-arm quick Yash Dayal is another addition to the squad that will be led by Rohit Sharma.
Aside from Pant, incumbent wicket-keeper Dhruv Jurel retains his place in the squad as does Lokesh Rahul, who has also donned the gloves before.
