Nidahas Trophy 2018: India's Predicted Eleven For Bangladesh Game

The script did not entirely unfold on the expected lines in the Nidahas Trophy. Hosts Sri Lanka stunned pre-tournament favourites India by five wickets in the tournament opener. It was a thorough, comprehensive performance from the Islanders as they started their campaign on a high.

Sent in to bat first, India were off to a poor start.  Skipper Rohit Sharma was dismissed in the very first over while Suresh Raina joined him in the dressing room in the following over. However, a 95-run stand between Shikhar Dhawan and Manish Pandey helped India recover from the stuttering start. Dhawan went on to score 90 off just 49 balls to help India post a competitive 174 for 5 in the allotted 20 overs.

However, the score turned out to be quite less in the end as Sri Lanka chased it down with 9 balls remaining. Kusal Perera starred with the bat for the hosts, scoring 66 off just 37 balls.

Wounded India will now look to return to winning ways when they take on Bangladesh on Thursday (March 8).

So here we are taking a look at the playing eleven with which India can play the second game:

1. Rohit Sharma:

Had it been any other player, he would have been benched as of now. Rohit Sharma’s wretched run with the bat since the start of South Africa continued in Sri Lanka too as he was out for a four-ball duck.  Time is running out for the right-handed batsman, and he would be keen to find his form in the upcoming game.

2. Shikhar Dhawan:

Unlike Rohit, Shikhar Dhawan was in red-hot form in South Africa. And he batted similarly in the first game. Dhawan scored a belligerent 90 in the first game. With several key players rested, he will be looking to lead India’s charge with the bat again.

3. Suresh Raina:

Suresh Rana did not take long to make an impression after being recalled in the team following a lengthy absence. He was the Man of the Match in the last match against South Africa. However, the experienced campaigner failed to get going in the last game. With so much experience by his side, Raina will be looking to contribute more against Bangladesh.

4. Manish Pandey:

While Manish Pandey played the role of second fiddle well, he will be looking to improve his strike rate. The right-handed batsman scored 37 in the last game but used up 35 balls to score those runs. With the responsibility of the vital number four position given to him, the Karnataka batsman needs to come up with a better show to cement his spot in the team.

5. Rishabh Pant (wk):

It is safe to say that the exciting youngster failed to justify the hype surrounding him. Came at a time when the team was in need of quick runs but could only manage to score run-a-ball 23 which ultimately cost the team. He will also be looking to make a mark in the upcoming game.

6. Dinesh Karthik:

Karthik did not get much to do with the bat but still managed to score 13 off just 6 to help India finish on a good note. He also affected a brilliant stumping to dismiss the dangerous Kusal Perera.

7. Deepak Hooda:

The hard-hitting all-rounder from Baroda is known for finishing the games strongly. With the likes of Dhoni and Pandya rested, Hooda might get his maiden international cap in the upcoming game. Moreover, the way India struggled in the finishing overs, Hooda has a good chance of making his debut.

 8. Axar Patel:

With Yuzvendra Chahal proving costly once again, Axar Patel might get a look in for the next game. Chahal managed to pick up a couple of wickets but could not stem the flow of runs as he conceded 37 runs off his four overs.

9. Washington Sundar:

The young off-spinner was the best Indian bowler in the first game. Conceded 28 runs and gave India the first breakthrough by dismissing Kusal Mendis. He later dismissed the dangerous Kusal Perera to revive India’s slim hopes.

10. Mohammed Siraj:

With Shardul Thakur having a forgettable outing in the first game, Siraj looks set to make it to the playing eleven in the upcoming game. Shardul conceded 42 runs in 3.3 overs including the 27 runs in one over.

11. Jaydev Unadkat:

The left-arm pacer once again failed to deliver in the national jersey. He was hit for 35 runs in his four overs. The Saurashtra star would be desperate to bounce back in the next game.