India reaping benefits of Hardik’s versatility
India has leaned on Suryakumar Yadav to navigate challenging situations in their last two games, while the pressure mounts on Shivam Dube to deliver as the key spin bowler. Facing a strong spin attack from Bangladesh will test India’s middle order once again.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh boasts a diverse bowling attack with key players like Mustafizur Rahman and Rishad Hossain. However, their batsmen have struggled to provide enough support, putting pressure on them to deliver against India’s formidable bowling unit led by Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh.
The rivalry between India and Bangladesh has intensified over the years, adding an extra layer of excitement to their encounters. With each match carrying significant weight, both teams are prepared for a fiercely contested battle at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.
Form Guide
India WWWWW (last five completed T20Is, most recent first)
Bangladesh LWWLW
Key Players – Jadeja and Tanzid
Ravindra Jadeja’s all-round contributions have been vital for India, although he is yet to deliver a standout performance with both bat and ball in the tournament. On the other hand, Tanzid Hasan’s form has dipped after a promising start, putting pressure on Bangladesh’s top order to produce significant runs.
Team News – Soumya Sarkar could be an option for Bangladesh
India is unlikely to make any changes to their winning combination, with all three spinners expected to retain their spots. Bangladesh may consider including Soumya Sarkar to address their batting concerns, especially with Tanzid Hasan’s recent struggles.
India: 1 Rohit Sharma (capt), 2 Virat Kohli, 3 Rishabh Pant (wk), 4 Suryakumar Yadav, 5 Shivam Dube, 6 Hardik Pandya, 7 Ravindra Jadeja, 8 Axar Patel, 9 Kuldeep Yadav, 10 Arshdeep Singh, 11 Jasprit Bumrah.
Bangladesh’s batting lineup faces a challenge against India’s strong bowling attack, and key players like Mustafizur Rahman will be crucial in exploiting India’s vulnerabilities. Despite the intense rivalry between the two teams, the focus remains on delivering a clinical performance on the field.
Quotes
“I don’t think anyone talks much about Bumrah’s bowling. He has an idea of what to do and what not to do.”
India allrounder Axar Patel sheds light on Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling prowess
“It is said to everyone that they should play with freedom. But they are trying to play according to their own plans. Why is it not happening? As I said earlier, I don’t know this personally. But if we play like this then it’s difficult for the bowlers to defend it.”
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto reflects on Bangladesh’s batting struggles and the need for a cohesive team effort
Shashank Kishore is a senior sub-editor at ESPNcricinfo
