India’s Champions Trophy opener against Bangladesh on February 20 carries with it a big talking point—Jasprit Bumrah’s absence. Former Bangladesh opener Imrul Kayes thinks this presents his team with a golden chance to test India’s pace attack. Though India is the overwhelming favourite, Bangladesh comes into the tournament struggling in ODIs, so this is a must-win match for them.
“India is a solid unit with a powerful bowling attack and batting order. But Bumrah not being there is a massive factor. We all know what he has achieved for Indian cricket over the last two years. His absence provides Bangladesh an opportunity to take advantage,” Imrul Kayes said in an interview with PTI Videos.
Kayes, who played 39 Tests, 78 ODIs, and 14 T20Is for Bangladesh, noted that Bumrah’s absence leaves India with a fast attack headlined by a back Mohammed Shami and the fairly inexperienced Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh.
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“Shami’s inclusion is massive. He may be struggling with fitness right now, but if he finds his rhythm, he will be a serious threat for Bangladesh,” Imrul Kayes observed.
Bangladesh, however, has concerns of its own. The team will be without star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, and top-order batter Litton Das has been battling poor form. Kayes admitted that Shakib’s absence would be deeply felt.
“I will surely miss Shakib. He is a match-winner, and his contribution is massive. In his absence, Bangladesh may have to field an additional spinner, which is not easy. Litton’s form was a worry, but he did score some runs in the latter part of the BPL tournament. That being said, Soumya Sarkar and Tanzid Tamim have performed well, so the batting unit is looking good to some extent,” Imrul Kayes elucidated.
With Shakib out, Kayes thinks vice-captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz will have to rise to the occasion as Bangladesh’s best all-rounder.
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“If you consider Mehidy, he has such a great fighting spirit. He entered the side as a young man, but his bravery is amazing. He never gets afraid—he always feels he can get it done. Mehidy can play anywhere; even in the final of the 2018 Asia Cup against India, he opened the innings. But Bangladesh will miss Shakib’s left-arm spin bowling from a bowling point of view. The role he plays with the ball cannot be replaced,” Imrul Kayes opined.
While both sides prepare for the much-awaited showdown, the match may depend on how Bangladesh capitalizes on India’s absent spearhead and how Mehidy fills Shakib’s boots.
