‘Bangla-wash’ threat looms over inconsistent India

Bangladesh created history by beating their much fancied neighbour, India in an One-Day International (ODI) series for the first time. Now they are determined to ‘Bangla-wash’ MS Dhoni’s team. Can they do it? Sandipan Banerjee weighs Bangladesh’s chances. PREVIEW: India vs Bangladesh 3rd ODI

The tour of Bangladesh has been a nightmare for India so far.  In the one-off Test, rain denied India to press for a victory. Later in the first two games of the ODI series, the men in blue were outplayed by the young, energetic and talented Bangladesh team. Indian batsmen failed to bat out 50 overs on each occasions. Their bowlers looked clueless against the rampaging Bangladesh batsmen. Basically, there was no contest in the first two games.

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Keeping this current form of the Indian team and recent showings by Bangladesh in mind, it is clear that on Wednesday, the hosts will go into the third ODI as favourites. It means the treat of a ‘White-wash’ or as they say in Bangladesh, ‘Bangla-wash’ serious looms over the Indian team. What a glorious moment will it be for Bangladesh cricket if they manage to send India home without a single win on the tour.

Behind this success story of Bangladesh, skipper Mashrafe Mortaza has played key role. He may not have contributed significantly with bat and ball, but his aggressive and animated leadership spurred Bangladeshi cricketers to do their best. He installed his passion into the whole team and they played as a unit. READ: Mashrafe Mortaza: Bangladesh not thinking about India whitewash

Knowing Mortaza, he would not be satisfied merely with the series win. He wants 3-0. A Bangla-wash. So do not expect any complacency in the Bangladesh team before this last game of the series. On Wednesday, they will come out with same amount of aggression and hunger. Mortaza will ensure it. READ: Indian cricket superfan Sudhir Gautam attacked by Bangladeshi fans

On the other hand, the story is different for his counterpart, MS Dhoni.

For the Indian team and Dhoni’s ego, this game is going to be huge. Just four years back he won the World Cup, now they are one the verge of being white washed in the hand of Bangladesh. If India fails to win it, Dhoni’s captaincy career will be under serious threat. This has already become the lowest point of his career.  And if India lose another one on this tour, expect some strong reactions from the board and media.

(Sandipan Banerjee is a reporter at CricketCountry. Cricket has been the biggest passion for him since his childhood. So, when it came to choosing his career, he chose to turn his passion into his profession. Apart from cricket he likes mountain trekking, river rafting, and photography. His twitter handle is @im_sandipan)