The next T20 World Cup is in 2026, nearly 2 years from now. But India and Bangladesh will don their shortest-format jerseys to find answers. India are in the initial stages of building a new team of young but talented players. Knowing that most of their big guns will not stick around until 2026, the men in blue will have to prepare a team that will make their chances of defending the title more realistic on their home turf.
Bangladesh made it to the Super 8s for the second time during this year’s T20 World Cup. This fixture will be their first T20I game after exiting the mega-event. Although unlike India they are not looking to reconstruct the entire team, two years is a long time for their senior players to hope to be a part of the mega event. Shakib al Hasan has already retired from all formats but ODI and other senior players will likely follow the suit in the near future.
Team Overview:
Indian squad has as many as three uncapped players and at least two of them will get the cap in the first match. With their first choice seamers absent, Indian team will be light on the pace attack. Hardik Pandya and Arshdeep Singh along with either Mayank Yadav or Harshit Rana will take the fast bowling responsibilities. Though Yadav will be preferred based on his spectacular IPL this year. Abhishek Sharma would look to make an impact after failing to do so for three innings now.
Bangladesh have a mix of young and senior players. The team will feature players as experienced as Mustafizur Rahman and Mahmudullah and as young as Parvez Hossain Emon. Litton Das somewhat sprung back to his original form during the last stages of the T20 World Cup this year. Although Bangladesh have not played any T20I match after the T20 World Cup, the opening batter has shown promising performances in the Test matches afterwards. This will also be Bangladesh’s first match after Shakib Al Hasan’s retirement.
Head-to-Head Matches:
India and Bangladesh have played 13 T20I matches against each other, with India winning all but one of these encounters. Bangladesh defeated India in Delhi in 2019, thanks to Mustafizur Rahim’s brilliant inning.
Weather and Pitch Report:
This will be the first international game ever hosted in Gwalior’s new stadium Shrimant Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium. There is limited data available to see how the pitch will play but by the looks of it, the deck will give batters some benefit over the bowlers. The game will be played under the lights, hence, the toss winning team will fancy bowling first.
The weather will be slightly cooler but clear of any rain threat. It will be a pleasant site for a T20 game.
Prediction:
Although there are not much stakes involved, players from both teams would want to give it their best, with IPL auction coming in a couple of months. India, however, are more likely to get over the line. The toss will be a deciding factor.
Where to watch:
You can watch the 1st T20I game between Bangladesh and India by tuning into the following:
Bangladesh: Rabbithole (live streaming), T sports TV and app
India: Sports 18, JioCinema App (Live streaming)
Pakistan: Tapmad (Live streaming)
UK: Discovery+ App
