India vs Bangladesh 1st ODI, Preview: Bangladesh test awaits second-string Team India

It is nation versus nation, not the 11 versus 11 and both teams have no reason whatsoever to take each other for granted.

Updated: June 15, 2014 1:41 PM IST

By Aamir Salati

India vs Bangladesh 1st ODI, Preview: Bangladesh test awaits second-string Team India

There is a lot at stake apart from personal milestones when India take on Bangladesh in an apparently low-key three match ODI series. It is nation versus nation, not the 11 versus 11 and both teams have no reason whatsoever to take each other for granted. One look at Team India it surely is ‘’squad B’’ on tour but there are only three players in 15 –man squad yet to make a debut, rest have been in and out of the team and Suresh Raina the captain for this series is a mainstay of Indian ODI unit.

It is an opportunity which any of the team members would not want to go begging after all they will be playing at highest level. Ideally, Bangladesh is a decent side to play against in their own surroundings and they will be out to test the Indian side.

Bangladesh over the years have done well at home when compared to their overseas tour, they have whitewashed New Zealand twice way back in 2010 and 2013. The core members of that team are still playing. But considering their recent debacle against Afghanistan and other teams things look horrid for them. Shakib Al Hassan is a world class all-rounder, skipper Mushfiqur Rahim and Tamim Iqbal have in past troubled Indian bowlers. Anamul Haque is a promising young opener, Abdur Razzak is a quality spin bowler and Mashrafe Mortaza’s expertise with leather cannot be underrated. On the whole Bangladesh is a worthy opponent that will have Suresh Raina and co on their toes for this assignment.

Coming back to Team India Bangladesh tour is an opening for all players to be in the computation of selection. Suresh Raina will be on a task to better his 4-5 win-loss record as a captain in his third stint and also strike back to form. Cheteshwar Pujara is undeniably India’s best bet with the bat in Tests and will be eager to show his skills in limited overs cricket as well. Robin Uthappa is on a comeback trail and his performance in IPL has put him in race for the ‘’half-vacant’’ opening slot ahead of 2015 World Cup while Ajinkya Rahane will look to be a regular member of team.  Wriddhiman Saha will be out to prove that he is second best after MS Dhoni with the gloves and as a wicketkeeper/batsman as well, a chance for him to cement his place as Dhoni’s second fiddle. Debutants Parvez Rasool, Akshar Patel and Kedhar Jadhav will aim to earn that prized India cap and keep themselves in reckon for future selections.

In bowling department Mohit Sharma, Umesh Yadav, Vinay Kumar and Amit Mishra have it in them to be part of Indian team regularly and this tour is a chance to strengthen their case.

The odds are certainly in favour of India even if first-choice players are missing from the line-up but Bangladesh will be pumped up to dish out an extraordinary performance and give Indian think tank a tough time for the remainder of two matches.

Squads:

India: Suresh Raina (captain), Robin Uthappa, Ajinkya Rahane, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ambati Rayudu, Manoj Tiwary, Kedar Jadhav, Wriddhiman Saha (wicketkeeper), Parvez Rasool, Akshar Patel, Vinay Kumar, Umesh Yadav, Stuart Binny, Mohit Sharma and Amit Mishra.

Bangladesh: Mushfiqur Rahim (captain/wicketkeeper), Tamim Iqbal, Anamul Haque, Shamsur Rahman, Mominul Haque, Shakib Al Hasan, Nasir Hossain, Mahmudullah, Mithun Ali, Abdur Razzak, Mashrafe Mortaza, Sohag Gazi, Ziaur Rahman, Al-Amin Hossain, Taskin Ahmed.

Catch the Live Score Updates of India vs Bangladesh Match 1 of the 3 ODI series here

Also Read:

For breaking news and live news updates, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Read more on Latest Sports News on India.com.

By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts Cookies Policy.