India currently sits at the top of the World Test Championship points table while Bangladesh are in fourth place. The Test in Chennai, which will be played on a red surface, also marks the start of the Indian men’s team’s home international season.
In India’s last Test match, they beat England 4-1 at home, while Bangladesh followed that up with a remarkable 2-0 series win over Pakistan in Rawalpindi.
After winning the coin toss, captain Najmul Hossain Shanto said his decision was based on taking advantage of the early moisture at Chepauk.
A series win against Bangladesh would cement India’s place at the top of the World Test Championship (WTC) rankings, but Rohit Sharma-led team are wary of any complacency in the two-match home series that begins today in Chennai.
India are hoping to reach the WTC final for the third consecutive year and will be aiming for a strong start to the season, which also includes three home Tests against New Zealand and then five in Australia.