Why India opting to field in home Tests is rare
The 2nd Test between India and Bangladesh is underway at the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur. The hosts aim to continue their winning run after winning the Chennai Test. Indian captain Rohit Sharma has won the toss and elected to field first in Kanpur. This marked the first instance of India opting to field first in a home Test since 2015.
Pitches in India assist spin
The pitches prepared in the sub-continent, especially India, often cater to spin. Therefore, spinners become even more lethal as the match goes into the final two days. This means the chasing sides would have to counter spin-bowling in order to succeed. As per the format of Test cricket, the teams batting first would have an opportunity to bowl in the fourth innings.
Fielding first in a home Test
As per Cricbuzz, the last instance of India opting to field first in a home Test was in 2015, the Bengaluru Test against South Africa. This was under Virat Kohli's captaincy. This is also the first time that teams have opted to field first in back-to-back Tests in India. Notably, Bangladesh put India in to bat in the Chennai Test.
Only the second such instance
According to Cricbuzz, this is the second instance of a team electing to field first in 24 Tests in Kanpur. The only other time it happened was way back in 1964 (against England).
How often do India field in home Tests?
The one against Bangladesh in Kanpur is India's 291st Test at home. As per ESPNcricinfo, they have won the toss and elected to field only 14 times in this regard. This has resulted in two wins and four defeats (seven drawn).
