IND vs BAN: 1st T20I Preview – India all set to dominate depleted Bangladesh

Bangladesh cricket is not at it’s best, in fact, it’s floundering. After the group stage elimination in the 2019 World Cup, Bangladesh lost a home Test to the newest Test nation – Afghanistan. Then they lost a T20I against the same team. Later a majority of Bangla cricketers protested against the cricket board. And of course, the most telling blow was Shakib Al Hasan’s yearlong ban by the ICC. The team in turmoil now arrives in India to take on cricket’s powerhouse.

In the absence of Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah will be taking up the captaincy reigns in T20I cricket. India will also have Rohit Sharma at the helm in absence of Virat Kohli who has opted to rest from the T20I series. The Indian unit will be hoping to clinch the three-match series without a blemish since their previous series against South Africa turned out 1-1. Thus far, India have won every T20I match against Bangladesh and Mahmudullah’s men will have to pull off something special to gain an upper hand over their giant neighbours.

Match Info

India vs Bangladesh: 1st T20I, November 3

Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi (07:00 PM IST)

Head-To-Head

Played – 8

India wins – 8

Bangladesh wins – 0

Team News

India

India’s regular captain Virat Kohli will be resting from the series, Rohit Sharma will lead the side in his absence. Apart from Kohli, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja and Navdeep Saini are the other absentees. Pandya is recuperating from his back injury while Jadeja has been rested. Saini’s inconsistent performances have resulted in his ouster.

Shivam Dube and Sanju Samson are the two fresh faces that the selectors have backed for this series. Khaleel Ahmed, the left-arm pace bowler, makes a comeback into the Indian squad. Legspinner Yuzvendra Chahal is back as well. India’s batting bears a familiar complexion while the bowling attack is on the experimental side. The likes of Krunal Pandya and Washington Sundar who can contribute with the bat are likely to be preferred under the new regime.

Bangladesh

Bangladesh suffered two heavy blows before the arrived in India. Tamim Iqbal stayed back due to personal reasons while Bangladeshi captain Shakib Al Hasan was banned by ICC for not reporting corrupt approaches. With two senior members out of the squad, this tour will be extremely tough for Bangla cricketers. On the other hand, it also provides an opportunity for youngsters.

Mohammad Naim, 20-year old left-hand opening batsman is likely to open the innings. Mohammad Mithun has also made a late entry into the squad. Taijul Islam is replacing Shakib Al Hasan and will bear the burden of the spin attack. Mustafizur Rehman shall lead the pace attack against his favourite foe.

Probable XI

India: R Sharma (C), S Dhawan, KL Rahul/S Samson, S Iyer, M Pandey, R Pant (wk), K Pandya, W Sundar, Y Chahal/ S Thakur, D Chahar, K Ahmed

Bangladesh: L Das, M Naim, M Mithun, M Rahim (wk), Mahmudullah (capt), S Sarkar, T Islam, A Hossain, M Rahman, S Islam, A Hider