India favourites, but task cut out for ‘Men in Blue’

The tournament favourites find themselves in an uncanny situation as they sit fourth in the five-team group with a negative net run rate and any slip-up could cost the team a World Cup title. After being humbled by New Zealand, India pulled up their socks in time for their customary World Cup winning habit against Pakistan and the wake-up call has come at the right time. 

The loss enabled Mahendra Singh Dhoni and the team management to go back to the drawing board and recoup in time. Another listless performance could see the hosts at the wrong end of the result. Even though India prevailed at the Eden Gardens, hiccups were galore. 

While Ashish Nehra has put in use all his vital experience, he lacked support from the other end at times. India’s opening woes are far from over. Rohit Sharma (5 & 10) and Shikhar Dhawan’s (1 & 6) collective failure should be addressed immediately if the pressure on ‘local boy’ Virat Kohli needs to reduce. Suresh Raina hasn’t been among the runs too with scores of 1 and 0 and it is time Dhoni looks over him. 

While Ajinkya Rahane can fill up Raina’s position at number four, his inability to give his captain a couple of overs as a part-timer is going in favour of the southpaw. For Bangladesh, the match would be more of academic interest in the group of death. 

A below-par performance against Australia ensured that the Bangla boys recorded their second loss in as many matches. While the Tigers are yet to come to terms with the suspension of Taskin Ahmed and Arafat Sunny, the comeback of Mustafizur Rahman comes as a blessing. 

The young shoulders of Al-Amin Hossain and the experience of Shakib Al Hasan would hold the key for Bangladesh in the middle overs. The absence of Tamim Iqbal on Monday due to illness left a gaping hole in their top order.  

While Australia’s Adam Zampa mesmerised the Bangla batsmen with his spin in unfamiliar conditions, facing Indian spinners would be a Herculean task.