The Green Park Stadium in Kanpur is gearing up to host the second Test match between India and Bangladesh, starting on September 27. With India already leading the series 1-0, the host team is the clear favourite to clinch the series. Adding to the excitement, cricket fans will be thrilled to witness the return of star players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to the venue after a hiatus of eight years.
In their last encounter at Green Park in 2016, India faced New Zealand and emerged victorious with a 197-run win. Virat Kohli, who captained the team at that time, managed to contribute only 27 runs across two innings, which was an uncharacteristic performance for the prolific batsman. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma, then batting at number six, put up a commendable display scoring 35 and an unbeaten 68 in the two innings. Returning to the same venue after such a long interval will undoubtedly be an intriguing experience for both players, especially in terms of adapting to the current pitch conditions and surface.
However, it’s worth noting that India played a Test match in Kanpur more recently, in November 2021. On that occasion, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were rested due to their involvement in the T20 World Cup held in Australia. Ajinkya Rahane stepped in as the captain. That match saw seven players who are no longer part of the current team. Shreyas Iyer took center stage then, scoring a total of 170 runs in two innings, earning him the Player of the Match accolade.
In another memorable match at this venue, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli starred in an ODI against New Zealand in 2017. The duo demonstrated their batting prowess, each scoring centuries. Rohit amassed a remarkable 147 runs while Kohli chipped in with 113, helping India to a formidable total of 337 runs in 50 overs. Despite a spirited fight from New Zealand, India managed to win by a slender margin of six runs.
The Indian squad for the upcoming Test at Green Park includes some fresh faces alongside seasoned campaigners.
. The team comprises of Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel, R Ashwin, R Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah, and Yash Dayal. The inclusion of youngsters like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sarfaraz Khan indicates the team’s emphasis on grooming new talent while maintaining the balance with experienced players.
The return of Rohit and Kohli to Green Park brings a sense of nostalgia, but it also presents a challenge for the duo to prove their mettle once again. Both players have undergone significant evolution in their careers over the past eight years. Rohit Sharma has seamlessly transitioned into a formidable Test batsman, particularly excelling as an opener, while Kohli continues to be one of the most reliable and consistent batsmen across all formats of the game.
The anticipation for the match is palpable among fans and analysts alike. The pitch conditions at Green Park are expected to be a focal point, as they have traditionally provided assistance to spinners. Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, who are part of the Indian squad, will be keen to exploit these conditions to their advantage. The duo has been instrumental in India’s success in recent years, and their performance will be crucial in determining the outcome of the match.
As the Indian team continues its preparation, the focus will also be on maintaining the winning momentum. The 1-0 lead in the series places them in a commanding position, but the team understands the importance of not becoming complacent. The experience of senior players like Kohli and Rohit, combined with the exuberance of the younger members, will be vital in ensuring a well-rounded performance.
In conclusion, the upcoming Test match at Green Park Stadium promises to be a fascinating contest. With the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to the venue after eight years, fans can expect a blend of nostalgia, excitement, and high-quality cricket. As India aims to seal the series against Bangladesh, the stage is set for an intriguing clash that will be remembered for years to come.
