New Delhi:
The Twenty20 International series between India and Bangladesh have given a glimpse as to the challenges the two sides face as they aim to build momentum towards the World T20 in 2020 which will be held in Australia. India's bowling, particularly Khaleel Ahmed, struggled in both Delhi and Rajkot. The spinners, in particular, Yuzvendra Chahal has been impressive. India's fielding, though, is the major area of concern as they dropped catches at crucial times. They were made to pay in Delhi, they escaped in Rajkot. Bangladesh, on the other hand, have been heavily reliant on Mushfiqur Rahim. He guided them over the line to break Bangladesh's jinx but failed in Delhi. The top and midddle order squandered the momentum in Rajkot, hinting at lack of consistency.
Both India and Bangladesh have their fair share of problems in all aspects. For India, the form of Shikhar Dhawan might be a worry. It is a strange tale for Dhawan, who was the leading run-getter in the format in 2018. However, the debate will once again be around Rishabh Pant, whose keeping in Rajkot confounded fans. He missed a stumping in controversial circumstances and another one was just about acceptable. With Pant struggling, the pressure will only grow with each and every match.
Team News
With Pant struggling, the Indian team might be tempted to include Sanju Samson in the side for the Nagpur clash. However, with Rohit Sharma not willing to chop and change the side on a regular basis, they might go in the match with not many changes. Shreyas Iyer has looked impressive in the limited time he has spent in the middle while K L Rahul is yet to make an impact, just like rookie all-rounder Shivam Dube.
The stand out performer for Bangladesh has been 20-year-old leggie Aminul Islam who has taken four wickets so far without giving away too many runs. It was not a surprise that captain Mahmudullah was all praise for him after the second game. However, Bangladesh pacers need to do better, especially their premier bowler Mustafizur Rahman who has surprisingly failed to trouble the Indian batsmen.
Squads
India: Rohit Sharma (captain), Khaleel Ahmed, Yuzvendra Chahal, Deepak Chahar, Rahul Chahar, Shikhar Dhawan, Shivam Dube, Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, Krunal Pandya, Rishabh Pant, K.L. Rahul, Sanju Samson, Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur.
Also Read | Rohit 85 Helps India Win Rajkot T20I By Eight Wickets, Level Series 1-1
Bangladesh: Mahmudullah Riyad (captain), Taijul Islam, Mohammad Mithun, Liton Kumer Das, Soumya Sarker, Naim Sheikh, Mushfiqur Rahhim, Afif Hossain, Mosaddek Hossain Saikat, Aminul Islam Biplob, Arafat Sunny, Abu Hider, Al-Amin Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman and Shafiul Islam.
Weather conditions and pitch
With Delhi being affected by pollution and Rajkot just escaping the threat of Cyclone Maha, teams will be happy to know that the weather in Nagpur will be absolutely fine and with zero percent chances of rain. The pitch in Nagpur will once again be a slow, low turner and the spinners will once again look to exploit the conditions.
Statistics
India have played three Twenty20 Internationals in Nagpur and they have lost two of them. They lost their first game at the venue to Sri Lanka by 29 runs in 2009 while they were bowled out for 79 in their pursuit of 127 in the opening game of the 2016 World T20. They finally broke the jinx at the venue when they defeated England by five runs in the 2017 series. There has been only one 200+ score at this venue.
