The stage is set for an intense ODI World Cup showdown between India and Bangladesh on October 19, Thursday in Pune. Both teams have diligently prepared for this crucial encounter, with Indian captain Rohit Sharma aiming to continue his winning streak after a victory against Bangladesh. However, this match also brings to the forefront the historical rivalries and controversies that have marked India and Bangladesh cricketing encounters.
Here are five big controversies that have fueled the intense India vs Bangladesh's rivalry:
1. Rohit Sharma's No-Ball Controversy
In the 2015 ICC World Cup quarter-final match between India and Bangladesh, Rohit Sharma played a fiery inning, scoring 90 runs. During his explosive knock, he played a massive shot that was caught by a Bangladeshi fielder near the boundary rope. However, doubts arose as the on-field umpire declared it a no-ball. This contentious decision led to a heated debate after the match.
2. Dhoni's Severed Head Poster
During the 2016 Asia Cup, India and Bangladesh faced off in the final match. Prior to the encounter, a Bangladeshi fan's poster went viral on social media, featuring the severed head of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, India's captain at the time. Despite the uproar surrounding this poster, India emerged victorious in the final.
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3. Indian Players' Half-Shaved Heads
Ahead of the 2016 Asia Cup, another controversy erupted when a Bangladeshi newspaper published a provocative photo. The image depicted Indian cricketers with half-shaved heads, implying that they would be humiliated in the tournament. The photo further fueled tensions between the two teams.
4. Junior Players' Altercation
In the 2020 Under-19 World Cup final, India faced Bangladesh in a high-stakes clash. Bangladesh emerged as the winners, but what followed was an unsportsmanlike incident. Bangladeshi junior players resorted to hurling insults at their Indian counterparts, resulting in an on-field confrontation. The heated exchange led to a tense atmosphere.
5. Kohli-Rubel Feud in 2011 and 2015
In the 2008 Under-19 World Cup, Virat Kohli led India to victory, while Rubel Hossain represented Bangladesh. The tournament witnessed intense clashes between these two budding cricketers. Their rivalry resurfaced during the 2011 World Cup when both players made their senior World Cup debuts. In a group stage match, Rubel signaled Kohli to walk off after bowling him out. This gesture led to a verbal spat and exchanged words, though the situation eventually calmed down. However, during the 2015 World Cup, when Rubel dismissed Kohli for three runs, the Bangladeshi cricketer celebrated vociferously, further igniting the rivalry.
These controversies have added layers of intensity and drama to India-Bangladesh cricketing clashes, turning each encounter into a fiercely contested battle. As the two teams face off once again in the ODI World Cup 2023, the cricketing world watches with anticipation, wondering if history will repeat itself or if a new chapter will be written in this captivating rivalry.
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