New Delhi/ TNF
The excitement builds as India prepares to face Bangladesh in the second Test match of their series, scheduled to take place in Kanpur on September 27. Following a commanding victory by 280 runs in the first Test in Chennai, India leads the series 1-0 and will be looking to secure the series with another win. Conversely, Bangladesh is eager to bounce back and level the series, making the upcoming match crucial for both teams.
As the teams gear up for the showdown, numerous records are within reach for the Indian players, highlighting the potential for a historic encounter. Here are 11 significant milestones that could be achieved during the Kanpur Test:
- Fourth Most Successful Test Team
India stands on the brink of surpassing South Africa in the all-time Test victories leaderboard. Currently, both teams share an identical record of 179 wins out of 580 matches. A win in Kanpur would propel India to its 180th victory, making it the fourth most successful Test team in history, behind West Indies, England, and Australia. This achievement would mark a significant milestone in India’s cricketing journey and solidify its position among cricket’s elite. - Surpassing Pakistan in Wins Against Bangladesh
India has historically dominated Bangladesh, having won 12 out of 14 Test matches against them, with the remaining two resulting in draws. A victory in Kanpur would not only solidify India’s dominance but also place it alongside South Africa and Pakistan as the teams with the most wins against Bangladesh. Sri Lanka currently leads this chart with 20 victories, while West Indies and New Zealand have both won 14 matches against Bangladesh. - Virat Kohli Nears 9,000 Test Runs
Former Indian captain Virat Kohli is on the verge of reaching a remarkable milestone of 9,000 Test runs. Currently, he has accumulated 8,871 runs in 114 Tests. Kohli requires just 129 runs against Bangladesh to join the elite club of players who have crossed the 9,000-run mark. If he accomplishes this feat in Kanpur, he will become the fourth Indian player to do so, following in the footsteps of legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar. - Potential to Surpass Don Bradman
Kohli, who boasts 29 centuries in Test cricket, has the opportunity to surpass Australian cricket legend Sir Donald Bradman if he scores a century against Bangladesh. Bradman achieved 29 centuries in just 52 Tests, a record that has stood for decades. If Kohli manages to score a century in Kanpur, he will solidify his place among the greats of the game and further enhance his reputation as one of the finest batsmen in history. - Approaching 27,000 International Runs
In addition to his Test achievements, Kohli is also closing in on an impressive milestone of 27,000 runs in international cricket across all formats. Currently, he has scored 26,965 runs in 534 matches. A mere 35 runs in Kanpur will make him the fourth player in history to surpass the 27,000-run mark, joining the ranks of Sachin Tendulkar, Kumar Sangakkara, and Ricky Ponting. This achievement would be another testament to Kohli’s remarkable consistency and skill as a cricketer. - Rohit Sharma Closing in on Dravid
Current Indian captain Rohit Sharma has an impressive record of 48 international centuries to his name. Should he manage to score another century in Kanpur, he would surpass Rahul Dravid to become the third-highest century maker for India. Rohit is currently tied with Dravid, who also has 48 international centuries. This milestone would further establish Rohit’s status as a prolific scorer and key player for the Indian team. - Ravichandran Ashwin’s Opportunity to Surpass Nathan Lyon
Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s premier spin bowlers, is on the cusp of surpassing Australia’s Nathan Lyon in terms of Test wickets. Lyon has taken 530 wickets in 129 Tests, while Ashwin has claimed 522 wickets in just 101 Tests. If Ashwin manages to take 9 wickets in Kanpur, he will move ahead of Lyon and solidify his status as one of the leading bowlers in the world. This milestone would be significant for Ashwin and Indian cricket, as it highlights the country’s prowess in spin bowling. - Chasing Shane Warne’s Record
Ashwin has taken 5 or more wickets in an innings 37 times across his 101 Tests. Should he achieve this feat again in Kanpur, he will surpass Australian legend Shane Warne’s record of 37 innings with 5-plus wickets. This achievement would not only bolster Ashwin’s credentials but also place him among the greatest spin bowlers in the history of cricket. - Ravindra Jadeja Nearing 300 Test Wickets
Ravindra Jadeja, another crucial player in the Indian bowling lineup, is on the verge of a significant milestone as well. With 299 Test wickets to his name, Jadeja needs just one more wicket in Kanpur to reach the coveted 300-wicket mark. If he accomplishes this, he will become the first Indian left-arm spinner to achieve this feat, further cementing his legacy in Indian cricket. - Unique All-Rounder Record for Jadeja
Jadeja’s achievement of 300 Test wickets would also put him in an exclusive club of all-rounders who have scored over 3,000 runs and taken 300 wickets in Tests. Currently, only New Zealand’s Daniel Vettori has achieved this remarkable double. Jadeja has already scored 3,122 runs in his Test career, and if he reaches this milestone, he will become the second left-arm spinner in the world to do so, highlighting his versatility and skill as an all-rounder. - KL Rahul Approaching 3,000 Test Runs
Middle-order batter KL Rahul is also close to reaching the significant milestone of 3,000 Test runs. With 2,901 runs in 51 Tests, which includes 8 centuries and 14 fifties, Rahul needs just 99 runs in Kanpur to achieve this milestone. His consistent performances are crucial for the Indian batting lineup, and reaching 3,000 runs would be a commendable achievement for the young talent.
As the Indian team prepares for this crucial Test in Kanpur, the stakes are high, and the potential for record-breaking performances adds an extra layer of excitement to the match. Both teams will be keen to make their mark in what promises to be a thrilling encounter. Cricket fans around the world will be eagerly watching to see if these records are shattered and if India can continue its winning momentum against Bangladesh.