India might be favourites to clinch the World T20 title, but they are yet to hit top gear in the competition. MS Dhoni's men have not justified their favourites tag yet, as they suffered an embarrassing loss to New Zealand, while playing decent cricket to register a victory against Pakistan.
With the 2016 World T20 at a crucial juncture, India have to deliver, when they face Bangladesh at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, Wednesday. Though India are favourites to clinch their second-straight win, they cannot afford to take Bangladesh lightly, as the Tigers have some talented players capable of spoiling India's party.
Here is a look at some of the players, who could prove to be the difference between the two teams.
India
Virat Kohli
The right-hander has been in prime T20 form in 2016, scoring runs against Australia and also in the recently-concluded Asia Cup. Now, he is turning it on in the World T20 as well. Kohli might not have got a flat deck to bat in the tournament so far, but, yet, he has looked comfortable in the middle. Though the pitch at the Chinnaswamy Stadium may favour slower blowers, the bounce is expected to be true, and Virat excels in such conditions. Kohli scores at a healthy rate against all teams, but his strike rate against Bangladesh is the lowest (116.6) , a stat, which the Delhi batsman will be keen to improve during today's encounter.
Jasprit Bumrah
India will depend on Bumrah with the white ball in his hand. In Bumrah, Dhoni has finally found a bowler, who can bowl consistent yorkers to take wickets in the death overs. Such bowling has also helped India contain the run-flow. India might have Ashish Nehra to bowl with the new ball, but Bumrah gives Dhoni an excellent option to bowl during the death as well as with the brand new ball. With a bowling strike rate of 17.05 in the T20 format, he is one India's best weapons.
Bangladesh
Mahmudullah
The right-hander was one of the most consistent batsmen for Bangladesh in the Asia Cup and the Tigers will look to his services with the bat once again against India in the World T20 match. Though Bangladesh could make best use of him at the top of the order, he has been brilliant in scoring runs during the slog overs, coming in to bat at No. 5 or 6. Coming in at number six against Australia, he scored a 29-ball 49, which helped Bangladesh put up a good total of 156 runs. Besides his batting skills, he is expected to play an important role with his gentle off-breaks as well in Bengaluru.
Shakib Al Hasan
If there is one player, who India should really fear in this Bangladesh team it is Shakib, who is their best all-round player. Shakib possesses all the shots in the book. Shakib's best skill is his adaptability, as he can play as per the situation. Shakib is due for a big score, and India could be unfortunate if it his day in Bengaluru. Shakib is also one of Bangladesh's best bowlers, and his slow-left armers could come in useful.
