The much-anticipated T20I series between India and Bangladesh will kick off on October 6, 2024, at the Shriman Madhavrao Scindia International Cricket Stadium in Gwalior. As both teams gear up for the three-match series, the stakes are high, particularly with the T20 World Cup just around the corner in 2025. It is an opportunity for India to test new talent while maintaining their dominance over Bangladesh. In contrast, the visitors hope to script an upset and gather momentum heading into a pivotal year for international cricket.
Match Preview
India and Bangladesh share a longstanding rivalry in cricket’s shorter formats, but in the T20I landscape, India has been the dominant force. Of the 14 T20I matches played between these two nations, India has emerged victorious 13 times, with Bangladesh managing just one win. Despite the odds stacked against them, Bangladesh will be eager to shift the narrative this time, riding on some fresh faces in their squad. The series promises to be exciting, with both sides looking to establish a winning rhythm as they build towards the bigger tournaments shortly.
India is coming into the series off a solid run of form in white-ball cricket. A healthy mix of experience and fresh talent has bolstered the team’s performance. Conversely, Bangladesh have shown glimpses of promise but has struggled to maintain consistency, particularly in T20Is. For them, this series represents an opportunity to iron out the chinks in their armour and take on a formidable Indian side that is known for its depth in both batting and bowling.
The first T20I will be held in Gwalior, a city that has not hosted international cricket in recent years. This marks an exciting return to the venue, with the pitch expected to offer assistance to both batsmen and spinners, making for a competitive contest. Given the dry nature of the surface in Gwalior, the conditions are likely to favor spinners, while the batsmen will also find value for their strokes, particularly in the initial overs.
Team News
India
India has announced a youthful and dynamic squad for the series, with Suryakumar Yadav continuing to captain the side. Known for his innovative stroke play and explosive batting in the middle order, Yadav will be looking to lead by example and give India an early advantage in the series. The inclusion of emerging talents like Abhishek Sharma, Riyan Parag, and Jitesh Sharma adds a fresh dimension to the squad, providing the Indian side with options for aggressive batting down the order.
Notable omissions from the squad include Rishabh Pant, while the talented duo of Ravi Bishnoi and Varun Chakaravarthy will handle the spin department. Both have been impressive in the IPL and will be crucial in turning pitches in Gwalior. Hardik Pandya and Washington Sundar will provide the much-needed balance to the side with their all-round abilities. At the same time, fast bowlers Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana will look to deliver with the ball in the powerplay and death overs.
Bangladesh
Bangladesh, too, has made some significant changes to their squad, with skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto leading a relatively young team. The return of all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz after a 14-month absence from T20Is is a big boost for the visitors. Miraz’s ability to contribute with bat and ball makes him a key player, particularly in Indian conditions where spin will play a major role.
Bangladesh has also introduced exciting young talents like Parvez Hossain Emon and Rakibul Hasan, both of whom will be eager to make their mark in the series. Senior players such as Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed will lead the bowling attack. Their experience and ability to bowl in pressure situations could be the key to Bangladesh’s chances of competing with India’s formidable batting lineup.
Probable Playing XI
India:
- Sanju Samson (wk)
- 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 (wk)
- Tawhid Hridoy
- Mahmudullah
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz
- Taskin Ahmed
- Mustafizur Rahman
- Shoriful Islam
- Rakibul Hasan
Key Players to Watch
India
- Suryakumar Yadav: The Indian skipper will be pivotal to India’s success in the series. He is famous for his 360-degree shot-making and ability to adapt to ever-changing match situations. The player’s leadership and middle-order stability will be crucial. With a relatively young squad at his disposal, Suryakumar will also be expected to guide the team and help the emerging players perform under pressure.
- Hardik Pandya: A proven match-winner, Pandya’s role as a middle-order batter and all-rounder will be vital. His ability to score quick runs in the death overs and deliver breakthroughs with the ball makes him one of India’s crucial assets. Pandya’s international cricket experience and versatility as a player ensure he will be central to India’s plans in the series.
Bangladesh
- Najmul Hossain Shanto – The Bangladesh captain has been in decent form in the lead-up to the series. He will need to lead from the front with the bat and provide stability in the top order, allowing the younger players to play around him. Shanto’s calmness under pressure will be vital if Bangladesh is to counter India’s potent bowling attack.
- Taskin Ahmed – Taskin Ahmed has established himself as one of Bangladesh’s most reliable fast bowlers. His ability to generate pace and movement with the new ball and his death-bowling skills will be crucial on Indian pitches. Bangladesh will rely heavily on Taskin to pick up early wickets and put pressure on India’s top order.
Match Prediction
While Bangladesh has shown improvement in T20 cricket in recent years, India’s superior depth and form give them the upper hand in this series. The first T20I in Gwalior is likely to be a close contest, but India’s home advantage, combined with their strength in batting and bowling, makes them the clear favourites to win. Players like Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya are in top form, and their leadership and performances will likely drive India to an early lead in the series.
Bangladesh, though, will not be pushovers. If their young players can step up and their bowling attack performs well, they could spring a surprise. However, based on recent form and squad depth, India looks set to take the opening match of the series.
