There is enthusiasm in the air. Also a whiff of rain. In the backdrop of Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting Bangladesh and the relation between the two countries touching a new high, India and Bangladesh are all set to open a new chapter in their cricketing ties with a series featuring a Test and three One Day Internationals.
The build-up has been exceptional. After the national outcry in Bangladesh over some umpiring decisions in its World Cup quarterfinal match against India in March, it is pleasing to witness excitement around the series. The change in guard in the BCCI and the decision to send a full-strength team for the tour must have played a part in pacifying emotions across the border.
The Bangladeshi players are eager and the Government has made foolproof arrangements — including closing down of a madrassa on the premises of the Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium here for the duration of the Test, and banning anti-India banners — to avoid any unpleasant episode.
The improving cricketing ties are expected to translate into a healthy rivalry when cricketers from both sides take the field for the only Test on Wednesday.
This will be the eighth India-Bangladesh Test, all played on this side of the border, and only the second ever at the venue, which will stage a five-day match after nine years.
Even though India has a 6-0 record, besides a draw, and is rated as the favourite, the scenario in Bangladesh cricket has undergone a massive transformation.
Virat Kohli, who has been formally anointed India’s Test captain following M.S. Dhoni’s retirement, and his men are aware of the challenges, including adapting to the longer version of the game.
Despite the 2-0 series loss to Australia in January, India will take heart from the fact that its batsmen, including Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Cheteshwar Pujara, Rohit Sharma, M. Vijay, Shikhar Dhawan and K.L. Rahul, consistently posted 400-plus totals Down Under.
In Wriddhiman Saha, India has found a ready-made replacement for Dhoni for the wicketkeeper-batsman’s slot.
The absence of an injured Mohammad Shami has not affected the pace department too much. Ishant Sharma has the experience, Bhuvneshwar Kumar the skills, Umesh Yadav the energy and Varun Aaron the enthusiasm.
Keeping in mind the long list of left-handers in the Bangladesh batting line-up, the selectors have chosen two off-spinners, R. Ashwin and Harbhajan Singh, apart from a leg-spinner in Karn Sharma. It will be interesting to see who among the slow-bowlers make the cut.
Injury to some of its key members has dealt a big blow to Bangladesh. The reliable Mahmudullah has been ruled out with a fractured finger. Tamim Iqbal, the other pillar of its batting, has reportedly been troubled by a cyst in his knee.
Skipper Mushfiqur Rahim, who has been dealing with a bruised finger, may give up his wicket-keeping duties and play only as a batsman.
Still, Bangladesh presents a formidable batting line-up, comprising prolific run-getter Mominul Haque, Imrul Kayes, Shakib Al Hasan and Soumya Sarkar.
Bowling is Bangladesh’s weak link. The host, without the services of Shahadat Hossain, will depend on the gritty Rubel Hossain to lead the pace attack. He may have comeback man Abul Hasan, Mohammad Shahid and Sarkar for company.
Left-arm spin from Taijul Islam and Shakib, Jubair Hossain’s leg-spin and Shuvagata Hom’s off-breaks offer the ninth-ranked team variety in slow bowling.
Smarting from their 1-0 loss to Pakistan, the Tigers will rely on their willow power to give the third-placed India a run for its money.
It will be no surprising if the KSOA Stadium lays out a track for run feast.
India, however, will need to exercise caution. If it wins, it stays at the third spot in the rankings. A loss would push it down to the seventh position.
The teams (from): India: Virat Kohli (Capt.), Murali Vijay, Shikhar Dhawan, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), R. Ashwin, Harbhajan Singh, Karn Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umesh Yadav, Varun Aaron, Ishant Sharma.
Bangladesh: Mushfiqur Rahim (Capt. & wk), Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Mominul Haque, Nasir Hossain, Shakib Al Hasan, Shuvagata Hom, Rubel Hossain, Taijul Islam, Jubair Hossain, Mohammad Shahid, Liton Kumar Das (wk), Soumya Sarkar, Abul Hasan.
Umpires: Nigel Long and Kumara Dharmasena. TV umpire: S.I.S. Saikat. Match Referee: Andy Pycroft.
Match starts at 9.30 a.m (IST).
