T20 World Cup: Three Crucial Battles India Must Win Against Bangladesh to Gear Up Ahead of Australia Challenge

New Delhi: India will lock horns against Bangladesh in their second Super Eight match at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua on Saturday. India will look to secure a victory to get a spot in the semifinal.

Indian team remained unbeaten in the group stage and delivered a masterclass performance against Afghanistan in their Super 8 opener, Rohit Sharma’s side will look to go strength to strength to make the knockouts along with Australia from Group 1. Although, the Indian team did not looked like a flawless side with so many concerns around the batting department. The Bangladesh fixture will prove to be a clash where India can be tested ahead the final Super Eight clash against Australia and a potential semifinal clash against the second-placed side in Group 2 (England/South Africa/West Indies).

Indian Openers vs Bangladesh pacers

Virat Kohli had had a terrifying run with the bat in the tournament along with skipper Rohit Sharma at the top, with both the batters struggling to score runs on the sluggish pitches. The Indian Skipper’s weakness against left-arm pace was exploited in the previous game against Afghanistan where Fazalhaq Farooqi foxed him with a slower-delivery.

Rohit Sharma will face a familiar challenge in Mustafizur Rahman at the top. However, Rohit boasts a positive record against him in T20s, scoring 122 runs off 72 balls with a 169.44 strike rate and an impressive 40-plus average. Known for his slower cutters, Mustafizur has managed to dismiss Rohit three times in their 11 T20 encounters.

On the other hand, Virat Kohli will be tested by Taskin Ahmed and Tanzim Hasan Sakib. Their skiddy pace and probing lines outside off-stump can challenge Kohli’s resolve. Kohli is currently experiencing his worst run in the T20 World Cup, with three single-digit dismissals and a run-a-ball 24 against Afghanistan. Overcoming Saturday’s challenge is crucial for Kohli to prepare for a formidable Australian attack and potential knockout stages, all of which feature potent seam bowling.

Rishabh Pant against BAN spinners

Rishabh Pant’s unorthodox shots have provided India with crucial runs after the openers’ struggles, but his vulnerability to leg-spin remains a concern. Pant has only faced five deliveries of wrist-spin in the tournament, scoring six runs. He was dismissed by Rashid Khan leg-before while attempting a reverse-sweep in the previous match. Bangladesh’s Rishad Hossain could pose a similar challenge to India’s No. 3. The energetic leg-spinner has become a key bowler for Bangladesh, boasting a strong record against left-handers, with six wickets at an 8.59 economy rate.

Though Pant has only been dismissed thrice in 21 innings, his strike rate drops to 118.59 against leg-spin in T20Is. With India likely to face quality wrist-spinners in upcoming games, Pant’s duel with Rishad could be a decisive factor.

The Dube question

Brought into the T20 World Cup squad to bolster the middle-overs hitting, Shivam Dube has yet to make an impact with the bat. Skipper Rohit Sharma has also hesitated to utilize Dube’s bowling, putting his spot in the playing XI in jeopardy. Against Afghanistan, Dube struggled against spin and was eventually dismissed by leggie Rashid Khan. Despite his reputation for powerful hitting against spinners, Dube has been largely subdued by wrist-spinners this year.