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Legendary Indian cricketer turned pundit, Sunil Gavaskar has said that India must win the final match of the three-match ODI series against Bangladesh, who have won the series 2-0. The third ODI between Bangladesh and India was hosted in Chattogram on Saturday, December 10, emphasising the impetus being pivotal for the burning two-match Test series which is a week away.
India suffered consecutive ODI series defeats, first against New Zealand and then Bangladesh, after they came undone while chasing a target of 272 in the second ODI of the ongoing three-match series in Mirpur on Wednesday, December 7. India previously lost an ODI series against Bangladesh under the leadership of MS Dhoni back in 2015.
"They have to pick their strong side. It’s a matter of finding confidence for the Test match that follows. The composition of the Test squad and the ODI squad is going to be a little different. But against a team that is batting and bowling so well, Bangladesh have been outstanding. India needs to win this. India needs to reduce the margin to 2-1. Win the 3rd ODI and get their confidence up and try and win the Test in Chattogram," Gavaskar told Sony Sports.
After being unable to defend 186 in the first ODI, the Men in Blue fell shy of the target by five runs despite Shreyas Iyer's powering knock of 82 and a tenacious 28 ball 51 not out from the skipper despite a bruised thumb and took to the field to save his team at number 9.
Questions have been raised on India's white-ball approach many believe is outdated after continuous ODI defeats but Gavaskar believes it is crucial that India look forward to the forthcoming Test series. He also highlighted that it is imperative for India to try and win the two-test match series in Bangladesh before they square off with Australia in the home series of the Border-Gavaskar showpiece in February-March next year.
"The incentive, of course, is if India wins the Test series. India have got 4 Tests against Australia in February. If they win these two Tests, out of these 6 Tests, they have to win 5, they give themselves a very good chance to qualify for the World Test Championship," he added.
The BCCI on Wednesday announced the venues and the schedule for the 4-Test series against Australia. Nagpur, Delhi, Dharamsala and Ahmedabad will host the 4-Test series from February 9 to March 13.
