So, after two weeks of constant off-field pessimism in country’s cricket, Bangladesh are finally going to start their action on the pitch through confronting India in the first T20I match in Delhi today (Sunday).
The match is scheduled to begin at 7:30 pm.
This is Bangladesh’s first-ever full-tour of India and the build-up to it has been far from ideal. After the ICC’s decision to ban Bangladesh Test and T20I skipper Shakib Al Hasan for one year, this will be Tigers first match without him. During the last decade, Shakib has emerged as an irreplaceable figure not only on the pitch but also in the dressing room among teammates. Therefore, his fellow teammates have a stern road ahead without not only the best all-rounder in the world but also Bangladesh’s best ever player.
Shakib’s ban is a massive blow to Bangladesh team ahead of this match that is already depleted by the absence of Tamim Iqbal, who has opted out of the entire tour to be with his pregnant wife. Bangladesh will be 151 T20Is lighter without them.
Consequently, the onus will be on seniors with the likes of all-rounder and T20 skipper Mahmudullah Riyad and wicketkeeper batsman Mushfiqur Rahim. They definitely need to step up if Tigers are to have any chance of beating mighty Indians on their own soil. Tigers will certainly be without the services of a few senior players, but the young talent of Bangladesh will get an opportunity to prove their mettle against a dominant Indian outfit.
All-rounders like Mosaddek Hossain and Afif Hossain, who enjoyed a brilliant tri series T20 last month, need to shine as well. If both of them perform to their potential, then Shakib’s void will fill a bit. In bowling, Bangladesh will also be entrusted with the responsibility of providing inputs to a young bowling attack. Mustafizur Rahman has troubled India in the past, but his recent form has been erratic, giving Bangladesh more headaches. For spin department, Mahmudullah will rely on Arafat Sunny and Taijul Islam to get wickets.
Meanwhile India, without rested skipper Virat Kohli, under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, will welcome some of their squad players for the T20I series. There might be a tussle for a couple of spots in the middle-order with KL Rahul, Manish Pandey, and Shreyas Iyer battling for the two available spots. India have a formidable spin bowling department with the likes of Krunal Pandya, Washington Sundar and Yuzvendra Chahal. Bangladesh batsmen need to be extra cautious of them.
In the meantime, amid Delhi’s air quality plummeting to hazardous levels, authorities expect the match to go through without any fuss.
So, Bangladesh’s back is against the wall before even the series started. They certainly will remain underdogs throughout the series and also in this match. However, if each players play with their full potential and give their all in the field, keeping Shakib on their mind as a motivation, then Tigers are certainly capable of creating an upset.
