ICC T20 World Cup 2016: India vs Bangladesh - 5 things to look forward to

India defeated Bangladesh in the recently concluded Asia Cup“How did things ever get so far?” asked a distraught Don Vito Corleone at the meeting with the heads of the five families, before self-replying to it with a dejected, “I don’t know.”Really, how did things ever get so far?Obviously, the subject in the limelight is not about Santino Corleone or Bruno Tattaglia’s murder, it is about how things have gotten so ugly between the fans of these two neighbouring countries.For years, Bangladesh have been in the shadow of their great neighbours. Finally, when they are starting to break out of it, some of their fans, in the name of banter, have crossed many lines. Obviously, not all blame can be placed on their shoulders alone, as a few Indian cricket fans have done their bit as well.Anyhow, with these two facing off against each other tomorrow, here’s five things to look forward to:

#1 Social media furore

Taskin Ahmed’s photoshopped image did the round a few weeks ago

This is actually something which we aren’t looking forward to but it is as inevitable as death. The advancement of technology has done us a lot of good, but with the good comes the bad—and these petty fights over the internet is just one of them.

It is so easy to become a brave person on the internet but making photoshopped images that are way beyond the lines of banter, curses, abuses, and even racism, that isn’t a good thing. Sports was meant to unite people—make them forget about the real problems of life and cherish the entertainment.

However, it has been anything but.

#2 Soumya Sarkars revival

Sarkar needs to shine with the bat

Last year when Bangladesh were on a series winning spree, one player was consistent throughout the glory in which they were bathing, Soumya Sarkar.

Against India and Pakistan, he was consistently giving quick starts to the team with his aggressive playing nature. However, it was against the best that brought out his best, the South Africans.

Against a reputed Proteas bowling attack, he scored an unbeaten 88 in the second game of the series before getting out in the 90s in the next game. His brilliant stroke-play gave Tamim Iqbal the opportunity to play freely while providing Bangladesh with great starts.

However, he has been below par in T20s, with only 48 runs in 48 balls against Pakistan in the Asia Cup being his best performance this year. If Bangladesh are to get the better of their rivals then Sarkar has to score a lot of runs—and there can’t be a better time for that than against India.

#3 Suresh Rainas calling

Suresh Raina could be the one scoring the runs against Bangladesh

Another batsman who has been disappointing, albeit on the other side of the divide, is Suresh Raina. The man has been ever-consistent since joining the Indian team but is now going through a terrible patch.

It seems as though the ball just doesn’t want to hit the middle of his bat at the correct time. Raina is a specialist at finishing innings; coming when there are only 4 to 5 overs left and adding an extra 10 to 15 runs with his power hitting. However, that isn’t happening right now.

But if Bangladesh have shown us anything, it is their ability to revive out of form batsmen. Be it Shikhar Dhawan in the final of the Asia Cup or Shahid Afridi at the Eden Gardens, Bangladesh have always been the opponent that brings the best out of batsmen going through a rough patch.

#4 Mustafizurs favourite prey

Mustafizur was the tormentor for India in his debut series

He has been a revelation for the Bangladesh cricket team ever since his debut against India, and a tormenter for the latter.

And now he is back facing his favourite opponents. In his first three games against India, he took an unbelievable 13 wickets, blowing away Indian batsmen like they were a house of cards in a tempest. Bangladesh’s series win against India was one where the majority of the credit should go to this young man.

As Taskin Ahmed faces suspension, the burden on Mustafizur’s shoulders has increased—and he might just produce another miracle spell against the ‘Men in Blue’ tonight, the only way Bangladesh can beat India.

#5 Chance of an upset

Bangladesh defeated India at home in 2015

India have, so far, brushed Bangladesh aside in T20Is with relative ease. They might have had a tough time last year in the ODI series, but India should have the upper hand in this clash since they are playing at home.

However, New Zealand showed the world how to beat India, by using spin. Even though the Indian batsmen are great players of spin, the pitches are providing the pacers nothing. Hence, this is where Shakib Al Hasan and co. come in.

With Arafat Sunny’s dismissal, Bangladesh is short of a spinner. However, if the last game was any indication then Shuvagata Hom can come in very handy. One thing Mashrafe hasn’t done much is bowl Sabbir Rahman. The batsman is actually a very good spinner, as he can turn the ball both ways, and can be a real cause of trouble for the Indians.

Whatever be the case, one can’t rule out the unexpected when Bangladesh are playing. They might be down, but they aren’t out just yet.