India need win to thwart threat on number one Test spot

Aware that the number one spot in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Test rankings can change hands after every series, top-ranked India would settle for nothing more than a victory when they take on lowly Bangladesh in the first of the two-match Test series starting here tomorrow.

With India playing not many Tests this year and other teams — including South Africa, Australia and England — closely behind them, captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his men will have to get maximum result from the Bangladesh series.

India is expected to maintain their world number one status if they win the series against Bangladesh 2-0 as South Africa, engaged in a Test series against England at home, is left with no chance of toppling the Dhoni-led side.

Even though some of the Indian players, who were part of the just concluded tri-series squad, would be a bit low in morale after losing the final to Sri Lanka, they will have to get over the disappointment and concentrate at the job at hand.

Notwithstanding the unimpressive start in 50-over format, the Indians would be aiming to begin with a bang in Test cricket.

The complexion of the team has also changed after six players, including stalwarts Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman, joining the touring squad.