Stats: India one win away from having positive win-loss ratio in Tests for first time in their 92-year history

India will return to Test cricket action after nearly 200 days when they play Bangladesh in the first Test of the two-match series at home. The game is scheduled to commence on September 19, and will witness the return of international stars aplenty.

Apart from the aforementioned reality, a statistic which is certain to capture widespread traction is something India can very well attain during the first game of the series to be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. 

India, having been granted the status of a full member of the International Cricket Council, played their inaugural Test at Lord's in 1932. Since then, they have come a long way in terms of transforming into a force to reckon with in the longest format at home, almost invincible right now having recorded 17 Test series wins on the trot. India have also enhanced their ability to play effectively abroad, which has historically proven to be a complex puzzle to decode.

If India get over the line in what will be their 35th Test at the venue, it will be the first time in their 580-game history when they will go past the number of losses as compared to the number of wins. At present, India have won and lost 178 games each, while 222 fixtures have ended in a draw. Notably, one match ended in a tie, too.

Although Bangladesh are coming off a high with respect to convincingly dominating Pakistan in Pakistan and whitewashing them in the process, India start as favourites and will be anticipated to seal the deal.

Also Read: Flashback: What happened on Bangladesh's last Test tour of India?

Crucial World Test Championship points at stake as 10-Test season awaits India

Despite India being perched on top of the standings of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 table, they have a season of 10 Tests to play until early January next year. With Australia closing in on second position with respect to the percentage of points (PCT), at 62.50%, as well as New Zealand at third place, it would be imperative for India to maintain a flawless record to ensure playing their third successive WTC final, which is scheduled to take place in 2025 at Lord's.

Also Read: India vs Bangladesh 2024: 3 Indian players to watch out for in upcoming Test series

England, who have played the most number of games (16), find themselves trailing at sixth place. With four games to go before the cycle ends, it seems highly unlikely that they will make it to the top 2 of the chart.