Bangladesh v India 2014: Series review and key takeaways

Victorious Indian cricket team posing with the trophy

Even before the Indian cricket fans could recover from the Indian Premier League (IPL) hangover, the not-so-awaited Bangladesh v India 3-match One Day International series has ended, with India winning it 2-0. In addition to the series clashing with the FIFA World Cup, the decision by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to rest some of the key players - MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja and Rohit Sharma, to name a few - and test the bench strength took the sheen away from the matches.

Bangladesh had a little edge over an Indian team devoid of the senior players before the start of the series. Although the batting side of both the teams looked strong, their bowling line-ups were weak. In the first ODI, the visitors easily chased down a revised score of 150 in 24.5 overs, with Ajinkya Rahane and Robin Uthappa helping India to a comfortable seven-wicket victory.

While the first ODI saw some good batting performances by the players from both the teams, the second and third ODIs were dominated by bowlers, with the pitch providing plenty of assistance. The seamer-friendly conditions resulted in India getting knocked out for 105, their lowest score ever against Bangladesh. But it proved to be sufficient, thanks to the extraordinary bowling performance of Stuart Binny, who grabbed a record 6 wickets for just 4 runs, upstaging the first innings efforts of Taskin Ahmed of Bangladesh (5-28).

This helped India win the match by 47 runs and take an unassailable lead of 2-0. Persistent showers forced the umpires to call off the third ODI when Indian batsmen were being found wanting, yet again, with the scoreboard reading 119/9.

With the 50-over World Cup just 8 months away, India cricket team surely has positives to take out of this series. The good form and subsequent comeback of Robin Uthappa into the national scheme of things after a break of 6 long years is a good news for selectors. Shikhar Dhawan's indifferent form of late means that Uthappa and Rahane are important as backup openers and hence giving them an extended run in the side is pivotal.

Uthappa really turned the tide in this season of the IPL with some stylish strokeplay and great timing. He based his game around playing straight in the ‘V’ and got his runs without slogging, which was pleasing to see.

Stuart Binny’s selection in the Test squad to tour England tour after a horrific IPL drew criticism from all corners. But the reason behind picking him was clear: he is one of the only two seam bowling all-rounders of note in the country, with the other being Rishi Dhawan. On this occasion, though, it appears that the selectors needed a better batsman, and, stats wise, Binny makes the cut.

The 29-year-old has been a consistent run-getter for Karnataka over the years. His bowling has also proved to be more than useful as evidenced by the splendid six-wicket haul he took in the second ODI to surpass Anil Kumble’s record of best bowling figures by an Indian in ODIs. If he gets his act together, he could prove to be handy in the World Cup with his finishing skills and ability to break partnerships.

Rahane, who is also selected for the upcoming England tour, would have hoped to build on to the match-winning 64 that he made in the first fixture. For the level of performances the Mumbaikar has delivered in the domestic circuit so far, he has faced undue skepticism over his spot in the team for a long time. Post the retirement of Sachin Tendulkar, he finally managed to cement a spot in the Test team, though. The 26-year-old is a classy batsman with a sound technique, which is pivotal for success in the Australian conditions next year.

The selection policy for bowlers resembles musical chairs; there appears to be no real plan. Critics and fans alike have cried in vain for a long time about this. Yes, their inconsistent performances do not help, but it will be better if we select a core group of 7-8 fast bowlers and 4-5 spinners and give them all equal runs with the team. Selecting one-season wonders and IPL hits hasn't been successful.

Umesh Yadav’s exclusion for the England tour, a genuine fast bowler with the ability to move the ball both ways as witnessed in the Test series against Australia in Australia couple of years ago, hardly makes sense.

What is also notable is the appalling lack of spin talent in recent times. Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja have proved to be ineffective outside the subcontinent, while others like Amit Mishra and Pragyan Ojha haven’t been consistent.

For the Bangladeshi side, it’s time to rethink their strategy considering their losing streak of 9 matches in a row, keeping in mind the World Cup ahead. As for India, they have boarded the plane to face a new look English team. Despite the memories of the 4-0 drubbing in India’s last tour to England looming large, this young team will look to put the history behind them and play fearless cricket.