It will be devastating for Indian cricket if MS Dhoni and his men lose the second ODI match of the three-match series against Bangladesh in Dhaka on Sunday. With already one down, it’s a must win game for India in the three-match series.
In the past, India have never lost to Bangladesh in a bilateral series. They were defeated four times out of 30 games against Bangladesh, but if India lose any of their next two games, the hosts will make history.
India have lost to Bangladesh earlier during the 2007 World Cup stage. That defeat cost them so dearly that they were knocked out of the tournament. The current ODI series can have a similar impact on India if the home team walks away with one more win.
India know that well. They also know that Bangladesh were a better side on Thursday when they lost by 79 runs. The good thing is that India have faced with similar situations in the past. In those occasions, they have come out convincingly.
The Mission Bangladesh is one such occasion, where India will have to stand up to the challenge. India’s biggest worry has been the pace bowling department and the middle order batting. Both these departments have been a concern in the last ODI.
So, the visitors will be looking to make amends. In other words, India will have to come out with a different game plan. A plan to deal with the Bangladeshi team with aggression and clinical approach.
Probably, a cosmetic change in the playing XI may help India to deal with those challenges in a better way. We have to wait and watch what strategy India will adopt when on the field. They will also be hoping that rain doesn’t disrupt the proceedings.
