England’s Andy Sandham, who scored a fine triple century against the West Indies in April 1930 timeless Test didn’t play again after that. May be there was a genuine reason that he was almost on the fag end of retirement and England dind’t need him later. And now the interesting question is, will it happen with India’s Karun Nair tomorrow as Rahane, who missed the last two Tests against England because of injury is back.
It might happen as according to coach Anil Kumble, Rahane’s past contributions can’s be forgotten and if India stick to five bowlers, Karun may have to pave way for Rahane. It will of course be sad for the young player, but he has to bear it when India and Bangladesh play in the one-off Test match at the Rajiv Gandhi international cricket stadium in Hyderabad from tomorrow.
After crushing England 4-0, in the five-match series and winning both one-day and T-20 series India’s confidence is pretty high at the moment, with everyone performing and contributing to the expectations. Kohli, the captain has been in terrific form and like some of the past Indian captains he does not feel pressure at all. Only in T-20 matches he did not score big, but he hammered the English attack in Tests and one-dayers. Bangla will be mainly worried of Kohli’s outstanding form.
India has a wonderful balance now and have included four spinners in the squad. Misra is out owing to injury and Kuldeep Yadav, the chinaman bowler is the new face. He did not impress in the Irani trophy, but bowled well against the tourists in practice match couple of days ago.
India might play with two seamers with Bhuvi and Hardik Pandya. I don’t thin Abhinav Mukund will get a chance as they might go with the experienced pair of Vijay and Rahul. Hardluck, Parthiv had to make way for Wridhiman and its not a bad decision as Saha is a better wicket-keeper and is also in superb form. He scored a brilliant double century in the Iran trophy when Rest of India almost like losing.
Bangladesh can’t be taken lightly as they have improved by leaps and bounds in the longer version.
They may miss Imrul Kayes, who sustained injury, but in Mohamudullah, Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal they have a pretty strong batting line-up. One of these makes big hundred they can fight against India. Liton Das the wicket-keeper batsman is also in fine form, scoring a double ton recently in their domestic meet.
The crowd here is expecting an interesting encounter.
By Sudheer Mahavadi – DD Commentator
