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The cricketing arena is buzzing with excitement as India, having already clinched a spot in the Asia Cup final, all set to take on ousted Bangladesh in a dead rubber Super Four match in Colombo on September 15, Friday. With the World Cup slated next month, it poses a strategic conundrum for the Indian thinktank: Should they provide maximum game time to their premier players or rotate and offer chances to the fringe squad members?
This discussion about balancing workload becomes particularly significant when looking at the bowling department. Star bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, has had a relatively light workload, delivering just 12 overs throughout the Asia Cup. Given the impending final match on September 17, it's Bumrah’s call on whether he'd prefer to challenge the Bangladeshi batsmen or rest up for the championship match. In stark contrast, Mohammed Siraj and Hardik Pandya have clocked 19.2 and 18 overs, respectively. Considering Colombo's draining humidity, it wouldn't be a surprise if one of them is given a rest, potentially making room for Mohammed Shami to step in.
Shami's inclusion would offer him invaluable game-time experience, especially as the World Cup is just around the corner. Currently serving as a reserve seamer behind the likes of Bumrah, Siraj, and Pandya, it's a crucial time for him to leave a mark.
The team management, however, will be closely monitoring Axar Patel's performance. Tasked with filling in for the exceptional Ravindra Jadeja, Patel's recent performances haven't been up to the mark. With an economy rate hovering around six and only three wickets in his last seven ODIs, Patel needs to uplift his game swiftly.
On a brighter note, KL Rahul's return to peak fitness has been a boon for the Indian side. Showcasing both his batting prowess and agile wicket-keeping, Rahul has fortified his position as India's primary wicket-keeper-cum-middle-order batter. But, concerns linger regarding Shreyas Iyer's health, who missed a couple of matches due to a back spasm. The good news? Shreyas showcased no visible strain during Thursday’s practice sessions, hinting at a potential comeback. If the team opts to rest Iyer further, talents like Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav might be considered. While Kishan has exhibited consistency in ODIs, Suryakumar's recent numbers haven't been encouraging. Yet, given his significance in India's white-ball plans, he might just get another opportunity to make an impression.
On the Bangladesh side, the absence of wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim, who departed post their match against Sri Lanka, will be felt deeply. Litton Das is anticipated to step into Rahim’s shoes. However, captain Shakib Al Hasan is back in the fold, rejuvenated after spending quality time with his family.
IND vs BAN Head-to-Head
Overall
Matches – 39
India Won 31
Bangladesh Won 7
N/R – 1
In Sri Lanka
Matches – 3
India Won – 3
Bangladesh – 0
N/R – 0
India's squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya (vc), Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna.
Bangladesh's squad: Shakib Al Hasan (c), Anamul Haque Bijoy, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Afif Hossain Dhrubo, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Nasum Ahmed, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Naim Sheikh, Shamim Hossain, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Tanzim Hasan Sakib.
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