India Tour of Bangladesh: Playing XI for India

Indian team is ready for its first challenge after the long IPL season. It is an interesting series as India have gone with the decision to rest many key players including captain MS Dhoni and batting spearhead Virat Kohli.This new look Indian team has many new names who have performed well at domestic level and in the IPL to earn their national caps.So, what should be Indias playing XI from the selected squad under the leadership of Suresh Raina?Lets try to find out.

#1 Robin Uthappa

With over 700 IPL runs this IPL, ending up with the orange cap over his head, he has been the talk of town for quite some time now.

Robin Uthappa finally makes a comeback to the national squad and this time, he seems confident to stay longer than just the welcome chorus.

He can single-handedly destroy the bowling and Bangladesh might be in for some serious problems this time around.

#2 Ajinkya Rahane

Ajinkya Rahane has been a consistent cog in the wheel for India for last 6 months who seldom fails. He is a trusted campaigner and provides the perfect compliment to the in form Robin Uthappa.

He can play the role of the sheet anchor that Gautam Gambhir played when Sehwag batted.

But, he has also shown time and again that its only a matter of time when he can use a long handle too.

#3 Suresh Raina (c)

The skipper should come first down. After two right-handers opening the innings, a southpaw like Raina can totally damage the momentum of the fielding side.

Raina is a seasoned campaigner who has won many matches on his own and has played in nearly all the batting conditions.

He provides the much needed experience and depth to the inexperienced looking Indian side.

#4 Kedar Jadhav

This fantastic Maharashtra batsman got his dues paid this time after a long wait. He is approaching 30 and will look to capitalise the most of what he gets.

His batting averages both in first class and list A are more than good and this IPL he was the only positive news coming from Daredevils camp. His form right now is sublime and his strike rate at domestic level and IPL is something that Bangladesh should be wary of.

#5 Manoj Tiwary

This gutsy batsman from Bengal has got another call from the national team much like his bittersweet past.He is a useful batsman, who can stay busy taking singles and building partnership in the middle overs and also can hit big shots when time arises.

He can also chip in with a few googlies here and there and is one of the best fielders this squad got. Watch out for this Bengal tiger to roar again.

#6 Wriddhiman Saha (wk)

This veteran Bengal wicket keeper has got the nod of selectors over Dinesh Karthik on this tour.

He is one of the best wicket keepers that India has right now and behind the stumps, his works havebeen exemplary. His excellent record with glovesgives him the head against Ambati Rayudu.

His recent performances with the bat including the centuryin IPLbrought audience to their feet.

In the absence of MS Dhoni, and with bulk of domestic and international experience, he can shine on this short tour.

#7 Parvez Rasool

This exceptional allrounder from J&K has been called on 2 separate occasions only to warm benches for India.

Top scorer for J&K in last Ranji season and taking up heaps of wickets, he makes for a great number 7 batsman and the 5th bowler that India always cry about.

I prefer him over Stuart Binny because the later has got his chances and he is getting no younger. It’s time for Rasool to shine in his own glory.

#8 Akshar Patel

After a career turning IPL season, Patel saw his name leap into the National squad for this tour very early in his career.

This is a golden chance for him to impress the selectors and cement his place in the team.

He has an exceptional economy in list A career and a very impressive batting average and strike rate overall.

He can give Ravindra Jadeja a run for his place in future.

#9 Amit Mishra

India going with only one specialist spinner on this tour means that Mishra has to be there.

He is the biggest spinner of the bowl right now in India and country’s best leggie right now.

He is just a treat to watch when in mood. He must be licking his lips for this tour with all the dry dusty pitches in his sight.

#10 Vinay Kumar

If we see the career of Vinay Kumar and Umesh Yadav, both have played nearly same number of matches and cant be distinguished based on their experience.

But a higher bowling average and an economy over 6 put Umesh Yadav behind Kumar.

Vinay Kumar is a consistent wicket taker at domestic level and even in the ODIs he has played so far he has been above average.

His subtle, controlled bowling shall compliment well to the pace of Mohit Sharma.

#11 Mohit Sharma

Not a tough call at all!

Mohit Sharma has been selected for this tour because he was the best bowler this IPL.

He is tall, fit, strong and can bowl fast. He is the kind of pacer, who is tough to find in abundance in India.

Besides, India are going in with just three pacers and Sharma has to be the one who is on the playing XI.