Mumbai: Bangladesh’s latest surge in world cricket could be sensed when speedsters Mashrafe Mortaza and Taskin Ahmed did a chest bump celebrating a wicket (that of Ajinkya Rahane) during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. The act, a kind of mosh straight out of a rock concert, is gradually becoming their trademark. It mirrors confidence and strength. Team India, taking no risks at all, is touring with a strong unit for the forthcoming series.
(Photo: AP)
In June 2014, the tour of Bangladesh meant summer vacation for the seniors and an Indian Premier League (IPL)-like team, led by Suresh Raina, took on The Tigers.
India’s team selection changed drastically in a year. The fact that Bangladesh is being taken seriously is more than a boost for Mashrafe and his boys-turned men.
Though India will remain favourites, Bangladesh’s recent records in ODIs has indeed shaken the cricketing fraternity. Their graph is on a rise since they hammered New Zealand 3-0 in 2013.
What could have tickled the Indian selectors is their show against Pakistan recently (3-0). Hence, the youngsters took a backseat and the big boys’ hats are in the ring.
It will be difficult for The Tigers to roar against this Indian team but they love the word ‘upset’. The entire country exploded in joy after Rubel Hossain’s delivery kissed James Anderson’s stumps in the World Cup (The Tigers knocked the English Lions out of the mega event).
The selectors’ decision to pick the best team for such a short series may also lead to debates.
The cricketers have a packed schedule and right after a month-and-a-half long IPL, the seniors not being rested may hamper their bodies. But what to do? Bangladesh has grown up.
The chest bump is also a proof of their physical fitness and the aggression they have been building within themselves. On the hindsight, one may recall Rubel quietly listening to Virat Kohli’s abuses during the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011. In 2015, he got him out and ensured he celebrated on his face. Bangladesh lost the match but the muscles had started to bend.
Read: Will Rubel Hossain take on Virat Kohli again?
With Pakistan being as poor as a local T20 team with their cricket, an Indo-Bangla encounter is escalating itself to the status once shared between the arch-rivals.
Are we awaiting history?
