"India unbeatable, Pakistan inexperienced": Shakib Al Hasan highlights the stark contrast between India and Pakistan

Bangladesh arrived in the India for the red-ball series on a high from their series win over Pakistan. Scripting a record-breaking performance in Pakistan, Bangladesh claimed their first-ever series win over the neighbours. However, as Bangladesh made their way to India for the two-match red-ball series, the team knew that the challenge in India would be miles away from what they endured in Pakistan. Playing in the first India vs Bangladesh Test at Chepauk, while the guests managed an impressive outing with the ball on the opening day, India eventually thrashed them to register a 280-run win in Chennai. Now, as Bangladesh prepares for the second clash, scheduled in Kanpur, seasoned all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has talked about the difference between facing India and Pakistan.

Shakib Al Hasan deems India 'unbeatable' at home ahead of second Test in Kanpur

Addressing a press conference ahead of the second India vs Bangladesh Test in Kanpur, Shakib Al Hasan pointed out that India is 'unbeatable' at home. The star all-rounder went on to say that while Pakistan remains an inexperienced side in the longest format, the same cannot be said about India, which boasts a formidable home record. He highlighted India’s dominance over the past decade, during which they have not lost a single home Test series. In fact, India has won 17 consecutive series at home since their last defeat against England in 2012-13.

“Pakistan is a relatively new team. In experience, I would say, if you look at the matches they played and if you look at our team and the matches we have played, we have got more experience than them. And in Test cricket I think that is a massive factor," Shakib said. 

“If I talk about India, they are the number one team in the World Championship at this moment. They are probably unbeatable at home. I saw a stat somewhere where for some 4000 days they have been unbeaten in India. So, that shows how good they are in India," he added.

Standing at a stark contrast from India, Pakistan has faced challenges on their home turf, losing the series against Bangladesh and enduring defeats against England (0-3) and South Africa in recent years. Pakistan’s last Test series victory at home was back in 2021-22 against South Africa. Bangladesh, on the other hand, is yet to register a victory over India in Test cricket. Out of the 14 matches played between the two teams, India has won 12, with the remaining two matches ending in draws.

“If you look at other countries, every now and then they will lose one or two games. But in India, you hardly see them losing in Test matches. So yes, I would say you are right,” Shakib told when asked if a tour to India is the most challenging task for the team. “We won against them in the ODI series in Bangladesh, we were very close to win a game against them in a Test match in Bangladesh. In Test cricket, we haven't got the success that we are looking for. Tomorrow we will have another opportunity," he added.

Shakib Al Hasan, earlier on Thursday, announced his retirement from the T20I format. The decision comes ahead of the three-match T20I series scheduled between Indian and Bangladesh following the conclusion of the Tests. Moreover, the all-rounder, who is facing an injury concern ahead of the second Test, has hinted that the upcoming home Test series of Bangladesh against South Africa will be his last outing in the red-ball format for Bangladesh.