India vs Bangladesh 2015, 1st ODI at Dhaka: India likely XI
India vs Bangladesh 2015, 1st ODI at Dhaka: India likely XI
With the one-off Test ending in an unfortunate draw, India are all set to switch gears and lock horns against former minnows Bangladesh. With the ODI squad having a different look from the Test match, Ayush Gupta considers the likely XI India could field at the first ODI.
Top order: India’s top order looks settled, with each of the top three batsmen scoring at least one century during ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. Openers Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan have been excellent in ODIs for some time now, and ought to be followed by Virat Kohli at No. 3. While Ajinkya Rahane can be considered to open batting, it is highly unlikely he will be slotted there unless there is last-minute injury. In all likelihood, Rahane will bat at No. 4. READ: India begin preparations for ODI series against Bangladesh
Middle order: While Rahane has been used as a floater by skipper MS Dhoni, he will probably be slotted at No. 4, followed by Suresh Raina at No. 5. The two are interchangeable though, as was the case during India’s opening World Cup match against Pakistan. Dhoni perfectly fits the No. 6 spot, but will hope he is not needed too badly. Now comes the interesting call; whether to play Ravindra Jadeja or Stuart Binny. Since the Dhaka track supports spin, Jadeja would be a fair call. However, with Binny creating havoc with the ball during India’s last tour to Bangladesh in 2014, Dhoni wouldn’t mind bringing him in either. In any case, one of them will probably bat at No. 7. Of course, there is also the option of Akshar Patel. READ: Can Test retirement bring back the aggressive version of MS Dhoni?
Bowling attack: Ravichandran Ashwin undoubtedly comes in as the lead spinner. Umesh Yadav, Mohit Sharma, Dhawal Kulkarni, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar are the pacers in the squad, and which of them plays will depend on whether Binny plays ahead of either Akshar or Jadeja. Umesh and Mohit were the preferred options during the World Cup, but Bhuvneshwar had an excellent IPL. Umesh and Bhuvneshwar are therefore likely to play as the frontline pacers. READ: Bangladesh can gain more than India in upcoming ODI series
India likely XI: Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Umesh Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohit Sharma. India tour of Bangladesh, 2015: Complete coverage
(Ayush Gupta is a reporter at CricketCountry. A passionate supporter of Manchester United, he idolises Roger Federer and is also a World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) maniac. He can be followed on Twitter @Ayush24x7)