The upcoming three-match T20I series between India and Bangladesh will kick off on October 6, 2024, with the first match taking place at the Shriman Madhavrao Scindia International Cricket Stadium in Gwalior. Both teams are looking to start the series on a high note, especially with the T20 World Cup on the horizon in 2025. For India, the T20I series provides an opportunity to test new talent and continue their dominance over Bangladesh, while the visitors will aim to cause an upset and build momentum.
Match Preview
India and Bangladesh have a well-established rivalry in the shorter formats, but India has largely dominated in T20Is, winning 13 out of 14 matches against Bangladesh. Despite this record, Bangladesh will be keen to change the narrative and put up an intense fight, especially with some fresh faces in the squad. India, on the other hand, is coming off a series of solid performances in white-ball cricket and will look to keep the momentum going with a mix of experienced players and emerging talent.
The series opener will be played on a pitch that assists both batsmen and spinners, creating a competitive contest between bat and ball. Gwalior hasn't hosted international cricket in recent years, making this an exciting return of the sport to the city.
Team News
India has announced a young and dynamic squad for the series, with Suryakumar Yadav continuing as captain. Abhishek Sharma, Riyan Parag, and Jitesh Sharma have been brought into the fold to provide fresh impetus, while experienced all-rounders like Hardik Pandya and Washington Sundar will provide balance. Rishabh Pant is not part of the squad, while Ravi Bishnoi and Varun Chakaravarthy will handle the spin department.
Bangladesh have also introduced a few fresh faces to their squad. Mehidy Hasan Miraz returns after a 14-month absence from T20Is, while young talents like Parvez Hossain Emon and Rakibul Hasan are expected to make an impact. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto will lead the side with the hope of turning the tide against a strong Indian team. Senior players like Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed will lead Bangladesh's bowling attack.
Probable Playing XI
India:
- Sanju Samson
- Abhishek Sharma
- Suryakumar Yadav (Captain)
- Riyan Parag
- Rinku Singh
- Hardik Pandya
- Washington Sundar
- Harshit Rana
- Arshdeep Singh
- Ravi Bishnoi
- Mayank Yadav
Bangladesh:
- Tanzid Hasan Tamim
- Parvez Hossain Emon
- Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain)
- Litton Das
- Tawhid Hridoy
- Mahmudullah
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz
- Taskin Ahmed
- Mustafizur Rahman
- Shoriful Islam
- Rakibul Hasan
Key Players to Watch
India:
1. Suryakumar Yadav – As captain and a key middle-order batter, Suryakumar Yadav will shoulder a lot of responsibility in this series. He is known for his innovative shots and quick scoring ability. Yadav's performance is crucial for India's success, especially as he looks to guide a relatively young squad.
2. Hardik Pandya—Pandya's all-around ability makes him a pivotal figure in the team. His power-hitting and wicket-taking skills in the middle overs will be vital to India's chances in the series. Moreover, Pandya's experience in crunch situations could be invaluable without senior players.
Bangladesh:
1. Najmul Hossain Shanto – Shanto, the side's captain, has been in good form and will need to lead from the front. Bangladesh will rely heavily on his batting, especially in the top order, to provide stability and allow others to play aggressively around him.
2. Taskin Ahmed – One of Bangladesh's most dependable fast bowlers, Taskin's pace and ability to swing the ball will be crucial on Indian pitches. His experience and ability to take wickets at critical moments make him one of the key players to watch out for in the series.
Match Prediction
While Bangladesh has made strides in T20 cricket, India's superior depth in both batting and bowling gives them the edge in this contest. The first T20I in Gwalior can be a close affair, but India's home advantage and the form of key players like Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya make them the favourites to take an early lead in the series.