A hectic winter in Australia, a tense World Cup and a busy IPL later, a full-strength Indian team now start their campaign against Bangladesh in the shorter format of the game on Thursday.
Despite speculations of rest for the seniors, the selectors chose to go with a full strength squad, a decision that may have something to do with Bangladesh’s recent form - they reached the World Cup quarters and then followed it up with a thrashing of Pakistan at home.
But getting the focus back on Thursday’s starting fixture in Dhaka, here’s - as always - five players that you may want to look out for in the game.
1. Shikhar Dhawan
He only just about made it to the Test squad after KL Rahul pulled out due to sickness, but did Shikhar Dhawan make the most of it!
India’s highest run-scorer in the rain-struck, one-off Test, however this one time, test figures can be counted on while looking ahead to an ODI series. Dhawan’s 173 were scored off just 195 runs at a strike rate of 88.71, so when skipper Virat Kohli compared him to Virender Sehwag, safe to say he had more than one format in mind.
For Shikhar, we were always confident that if he gets going he can do what Viru paaji (Sehwag) used to do because he is one player who can turn the session around.
– Virat Kohli, Indian Test Captain
2. Ravindra Jadeja
With an economy of 5.35, Jadeja was India’s most expensive bowler at the World Cup and his contribution of eight wickets in the entire tournament dint help either, in the defending champions’ campaign.
And following a not so impressing IPL as well, Jadeja found himself dropped from India’s test squad for the one-off game last week. However, one of the fastest legs on the field an a useful all-rounder, a few good results could turn things his way, specially with a heavy season ahead.
But will Jadeja have landed in Bangladesh with a fresh mindset or a new approach to the game... Dhoni will find out on Thursday!
3. R Ashwin
Fresh off a five-wicket haul in the Test against Bangladesh, R Ashwin has now called this “one of the best phases” of his career.
It certainly feels that I am bowling at my best, it is one of the best phases that I have had. Anyway the learning never stops.
– R Ashwin, India
And why not. On the pace-friendly tracks of Australia, Ashwin still managed to finish the World Cup with 13 wickets at an average of 25 and an economy of 4.28. And if current form is anything to go by, the Indian spin-spearhead has found his confidence and his stride, just in time for a big season for India.
Test skipper Virat Kohli too didn’t mince words when asked to talk about the off-spinner. He said, “Ashwin is priceless. We won’t get anybody better than him, he understands the game well and as a captain you don’t have tell him much.”
4. Stuart Binny
The man built a reputation for himself on the tour of Bangladesh last season. Remember the Mirpur ODI where India were bowled out for 105, but Binny put his hand up and won that game singlehandedly for India?
Think 6 wickets for 4 runs. Think best ODI figures by an Indian and it’s this 30-year old who comes up in your search engines.
However, can an encore be expected? Or will having bigger stars in the teams this time, prove too much for Roger Binny’s son?
5. Dhaka Rains!
The one-off test last week saw just 185 overs being played over the five days and the MET department isn’t painting any rosy pictures for us in the week ahead as well.
On Thursday in Dhaka, during the first ODI ‘scattered thunderstorms’ are expected throughout the day. However, worry not, the organizers have kept a reserve day handy for each of the three day-night fixtures.
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