India against the newest Asian Challengers

Bangladesh whitewashed Pakistan recently by 3-0 in home series

The inspiring performance of the Bangladesh cricket team in the World Cup and the series win against Pakistan at home has gained them the title of the New Asian Contenders. Although they lost in the Test series, but this team has an entirely new look in their green and red jerseys. The young one-day team is brimming with confidence, backed by some terrific individual performances against Pakistan and a unified team with a clever captain.

The Indian team after ending up as the Semi-finalist at the World Cup, following a disastrous tour of Australia, will be playing the format after almost 2 months. They have sent in a strong team, probably the same XI that played at the World Cup. After the Bangladesh drubbing of Pakistan, India has not taken any chances with the team selection and has selected their full-strength team.

In spite of the resurgence of the Bangladesh team, the Indian team looks a clear winner on paper. The quality of the batsmen, spinners would definitely provide an advantage to the visitors. Further, the Indian batsmen have put in decent performances in the IPL. Bangladesh wickets have always been good batting wickets, with a decent amount of spin. The key for the Bangladesh batsmen would be their ability to handle the Indian spinners. India, on the other hand, will be missing the services of the injured Mohammed Shami, who had led the Indian bowling superbly in the World Cup. Bangladesh will feel the spot left out by the injury to Mahmudullah, who will miss the series due to an injury.

Bangladesh has been playing good cricket in the shorter format in the past few months. Yes, the Pakistan team which was ‘Bangla-washed’ was a weaker one; the series managed to inspire a nation. However, a different challenge awaits them in the form of a strong Indian team. And the fact that none of the Indian stars have been rested for this short series, shows the seriousness on the part of India.

The TV commercials have been projecting this match up between India and the new Asian Challengers. The test series would probably be a one-sided affair I believe.

However, things are very much less predictable in the One-day format. So, it provides a tricky situation for India and they will not soften their determination. For the hosts, it will be redemption as they attempt to take down the mighty Indians down, who remain the only nation to not call up the Bangladeshi team for a test series at home. The recent successes have brought hope to this country and their fans will be hoping that their team manages to put in a good performance and bring glory home.

Overall, the series quite looks to be India’s, but hey, strange things have happened on the cricket field. Get ready for some interesting battles in the coming days.

Bachche ab bachchae nahi rahe !!

Time to show your stuff against the Big Boys.