Team India the cash cow of ICC is now a team to beat in any format for other international teams. Moreover, in recent times they proved invincible at home even for Australia, South Africa and other stronger teams. Bangladesh is set to start its historic first full tour to India with a T20 international match at New Delhi. From excessive use fire crackers on the occasion of Kali Puja Indian Capital has turned almost into a gas chamber. 

We are not sure that this is now a place for any sporting event. BCB should have been additionally careful in agreeing to the date as well. Today 3rd November is not a day for joy for Bangladesh. 47 years back on this day, four top leaders of Bangladesh liberation war Syed Nazrul Islam, Syed Tajuddin Ahmed, Capt Mansur Ali and Mohammad Kamruzzaman were brutally killed by a group of conspirators while in captive at Dhaka central Jail. 

Anyway team tigers have to start its very challenging India tour without their regular captain and ICC top ranked all rounder in all format Shakib Al Hasan. He has been handed over two years suspension (one year if he conducts ICC guidelines) for not informing ICC about phone calls of a notorious bookie. Top opening batsman Tamim Iqbal also skipped for family priorities. Budding all rounder Mohammad Saifuddin is also not there for injury. 

Depleted team tigers would now have to challenge India with a much younger outfit. India is also without regular captain Virat Kohli, veteran wicket keeper batsman MS Dhoni and ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah. In our opinion this makes two teams evenly balanced and mouth watering contest is expected.

We are sure if similar situation would have prevailed in any city in Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and West Indies in matches featuring India, England or Australia ICC would have stepped it. But not the same case in India. Bangladesh has to play. We know that situation remains the same for both the team. But in anticipation of such situation why this match could not rescheduled. A great risk of health hazard is being taken.

Liton and Soumya are two regular openers in T20 in absence of Tamim. But are stroke makers and tee off right from the word go. The absence of Bumrah takes some bites off Indian opening attack. But Soumya and Liton must bat with a little bit of additional care as Bangladesh would be deprived from assured service of Shakib Al Hasan at number three. Off course Shakib’s absence would open window of opportunity for young Afif. He is a class act and should grab this opportunity with both hands. We are not sure whether Bangladesh can risk playing young top order batsman Naim Sheikh and slot him at top order. 

Middle order batting would be in the safe hands of Mushfiqur Rahim Captain Mahmudullah Riyad and Mosaddek Hossain at four five and six. We would suggest playing leg spinning all rounder Aminul at Number seven. Bangladesh should appear with one regular spinner Arafat Sunny and play three pacers Mustafizur Rahman, Al Amin Hossain and Abu Hider Rony. Off course this makes the batting thinner. Hope middle order would bat deep and produce at least 170 plus to challenge Indian might.

We have confidence that young players would give new impetus to the team and shock from Shakib’s absence would give team new resolve. T20 is a pure gamble .Here any thing can happen. One or two overs of explosive batting, a good tight over and brilliant run out at crunch time can change the complexion of the game. Bangladesh has quality and experience for winning matches against any team in T20 even without Shakib and Tamim.

My Team
Liton Das, Soumya Sarkar, Naem Shiekh, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad, Mosaddek Hossain, Aminul Islam, Arafat Sunny, Al Amin Hossain, Abu Hider Rony and Mustafizur Rahman

Mustafiz and Al Amin have quality for making early inroads into Indian top order. Removing Rohit and Dhawan early will be the key. KL Rahul is after all not Virat Kohli and Rishab Pant is not yet MS Dhoni. Bangladesh spinners’ combination of Arafat Sunny/Taijul Islam, Aminul Islam and Mosaddek can restrict Indian batsmen to manageable target. Bangladesh must field well and take their chances.

BDST: 1141 HRS, NOV 3, 2019
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