Rohit & Co set to get high on strong unit

WHEN it comes to rivalries in cricket, especially in the Asian subcontinent, the narrative has largely revolved around India and Pakistan. Bangladesh, for years, have tried to punch above their weight, to compete equally with the other three Asian teams that include Sri Lanka as well.

- GOMESH S

Over the past decade, Bangladesh have constantly tried to push themselves to their limits, and even caused upsets, especially against subcontinental teams. They have their own kind of rivalries against each Asian team. This often tends to bring out the best, and sometimes, even their the worst. When it is against India, Bangladesh somehow managed to come together as a unit and pull off the improbable.

At another level, it can be considered a heist because the Shakib Al Hasan-led side's three win in the last four matches came when some of India's key bowlers were missing. Whether it was Jasprit Bumrah or Kuldeep Yadav in last December or when most of the top players were rested during the Asia Cup, Bangladesh haven't played a full-fledged India team since the 2019 World Cup clash. In that Birmingham contest, Rohit Sharma scored a century and India won by 28 runs.