Jolted India face Bangla test

PTI

Birmingham

Kedar Jadhav and Yuzvendra Chahal could find their names struck off the final XI as India aim for a quick turnaround in their penultimate World Cup group league game against a battle-hardened Bangladesh, which is trying to stay relevant in a fight for the last-four berth.

The seasoned Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Ravindra Jadeja are in contention for the first XI berths keeping the odd dimensions of the Edgbaston ground in mind.

India are currently on 11 points from seven games and a win on Tuesday will ensure a smooth passage to the semifinals unlike Bangladesh, who must win their last couple of league games in order to make their maiden entry into the last four stage.

Having received a rude shake-up from England, India will have very little time for recovery as they seek immediate course correction against a team, which boasts of the world’s No1 all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan in its ranks.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s poor show as a finisher in a wobbly middle-order has already made the Indian team look vulnerable more than ever and insult to injury was the first lacklustre bowling day in the tournament that led to an implosion.

India scored only 39 runs in the last five overs against England, with Dhoni and Jadhav at the crease. More than their inability to hit big shots, which was certainly the primary factor, the lack of intent was an eyesore.

However, the team management has rallied around their senior-most player and that makes Jadhav the possible fall guy, making Ravindra Jadeja’s case for inclusion stronger by the day.

The primary logic could possibly be Jadeja being better at big-hitting compared to Jadhav, when batting at Nos 6 or 7. His wicket-to-wicket left-arm spin is a restrictive option and to top it all, his outstanding ability to field at any position.

The other factor that could play a massive role in this decision is the dimension of the Edgbaston ground, where the boundary on one of the sides is less than 60 metres.

After being outplayed tactically, the team management are eager to set things right and have understood that two wrist spinners could be a risk against the likes of Tamim Iqbal, Shakib, Mushfiqur Rahim, Liton Das and Mahmudullah.

With Bhuvneshwar Kumar being fit and available for selection, India for the first time in the tournament, could go in with three frontline pacers and in that case, Chahal may have to cool his heels after recording worst ever World Cup figures (0/88 in 10 overs) by an Indian bowler.

If Bhuvneshwar is included in the playing XI against Bangladesh, it will definitely bolster the lower-order batting.