Can Bangladesh tame India?

The hosts will be eager to make an impression in the three-match ODI series; rain threatens Thursday’s game.

For the Bangladesh fans, the three-match ODI series against India is a much-awaited one. Most of them will be praying for a clear day as the forecast for Thursday is ominous. However, the weatherman’s prediction is not likely to stop the fans from filling up the stands.

Though the organisers have slotted in a reserve day for every match, neither the players nor the spectators would want it to spill into the extra day. However, the teams have to get their strategy in place, and the players need to be flexible enough to respond to any situation.

Spoilt for choice The Indian side, back under the stewardship of ODI skipper M.S. Dhoni, looked a relaxed unit at the nets the last two days. Having played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium before, the visitors have a fair idea about the pitch and conditions. Dhoni, with the best possible squad at his disposal, is spoilt for choice.

With a star-studded line-up, which includes the likes of Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina, and Ambati Rayudu apart from himself, the Indian captain will have a tough time choosing the batsmen for the final XI. The scenario is not very different in the bowling department. If skilful pacers Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umesh Yadav and Mohit Sharma are the leaders of the pack, Stuart Binny and Dhawal Kulkarni are not far behind.

Utility all-rounder Binny, who had dream figures of six for four during his previous visit here a year ago, will be high on confidence.

The left-arm spin duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel, and the dependable off-spinner R. Ashwin — all of them can bat too — provide balance to the team. For the eighth-ranked Bangladesh, the fitness of captain and experienced pacer Mashrafe Mortaza, who recently injured his hand in a road accident, will be the biggest concern, though he has been training for the last few days with his wrist wrapped.

The other problem is the experienced wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim’s sore finger which prevented him from keeping wickets in the Test. He has been donning the big gloves at the nets, and may perform his dual role to give flexibility to the team.

Impressive line-up Bangladesh has an impressive batting line-up — Rahim, Tamim Iqbal, Mominul Haque, Shakib Al Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, and Nasir Hossain — and some exciting talents in Shabbir Rahman and the uncapped duo of Liton Das and Rony Talukdar. Tamim, in particular, is in dream form with back-to-back centuries against Pakistan, which the home team swept 3-0.

Apart from Mortaza, the effervescent Rubel Hossain, the promising Taskin Ahmed and the young left-arm seamer Mustafizur Rahman make a potent pace attack. Shakib, Arafat Sunny and Nasir offer variety in the spin department.

It will be interesting to see how Mortaza combines youth with experience to boost his side’s chances against the second-ranked and formidable India.

The teams (from):

India: M.S. Dhoni (capt.), Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, R. Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umesh Yadav, Mohit Sharma, Stuart Binny, and Dhawal Kulkarni.

Bangladesh: Mashrafe Mortaza (capt.), Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan (vice-captain), Shabbir Rahaman, Nasir Hossain, Arafat Sunny, Taskin Ahmed, Rubel Hossain, Rony Talukdar, Mustafizur Rahman, and Liton Das.

Umpires: Rodney Tucker and Enamul Haque.

Match Referee: Andy Pycroft;

Match starts at 2.30 p.m. IST.

(The infographic has been modified to correct a factual error)