Dhaka: It’s Asia Cup time and Team India has landed in Bangladesh to win back a trophy they could last lay their hands on in 2010. It has been four years since then, with Bangladesh almost pulling off an upset win last year. This time, Bangladesh is playing hosts to the sub-continental teams and after their humiliating hospitality at the hands of the Kiwis, Team India doesn’t really look in great shape, or morale for that matter. India begin their campaign against hosts Bangladesh on Wednesday.
The beginning itself has been a dampener, with skipper MS Dhoni pulling out of the series after sustaining a left side strain injury. With the regular skipper out of the tourney, it is all in the hands of young blood Virat Kohli, to lead the side in the high-profile series. While many see this as an opportunity for Kohli to be groomed into the future skipper, this could very well end up being a double edged sword.
Kohli has issues with his temperament, something that is in stark contrast to MS Dhoni’s chilled-out attitude. Although this could prove useful in terms of having an attacking approach, yet it could also boomerang during a crisis, when a calm approach is the most essential trick. Kohli stepping into Dhoni’s boots could be the change that team India needs, but his lack of experience in handling the heavy boots could also cost India a series and a lot of pride.
While experienced players like Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Kohli himself have been in good nick despite a disastrous tour, there will be some fresh faces like Ambati Rayudu, Ajinkya Rahane, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar, Mohammad Shami, Varun Aaron, Stuart Binny, Amit Mishra and Ishwar Pandey too add a new lease of life for the tattered team.
However, this being a series in the subcontinent, the Indians should be able to exploit home-like conditions and exploit to the maximum possible, if they want to win this series and salvage some pride. Also, after relinquishing their numero-uno spot to Australia after their 0-4 loss to New Zealand, India would look to climb back in the rankings. Although there is no way India can claw back into the top spot, yet the only way they can even come close to Australia is by winning all the matches in the Asia Cup and get to the second spot.
With Sri Lanka, Pakistan, hosts Bangladesh and Afghanistan ready to give the Indians a tough competition for the silverware, there’s a lot at stake for Team Blue to go that extra mile.