Follow UsHaving won their first two Super Four encounters against Pakistan and Sri Lanka, India had already assured themselves a place in the final of the 2023 Asia Cup. So, the final Super Four clash against Bangladesh was a perfect opportunity for the management to test out a different combination ahead of the 2023 ODI World Cup.
That involved India making wholesale changes, including an ODI debut for Tilak Varma, with Mohammed Shami, Suryakumar Yadav and Prasidh Krishna all making it to the XI. India made the best start possible, reducing Bangladesh to 28/3 and 59/4 before Shakib Al Hasan’s scintillating counter-attacking 80 took them to 265 after 50 overs.
“We wanted to give some game time to the guys, keeping the bigger picture in mind. Not compromising on how we wanted to play this game. Get in some players who are likely to play the World Cup,” Indian skipper Rohit Sharma said of the changes made.
There couldn’t have been a more ideal preparation for the World Cup for the Indian side, considering Bangladesh had as many as four spinners on a Colombo wicket that was turning miles. Tanzim Hasan Sakib, on debut, though, made early inroads, removing the bulk of India’s batting unit, leaving it all to Shubman Gill and Axar Patel to do the heavy lifting.
While Gill scored a valiant 133-ball 121, an innings that saw eight fours and five sixes, Axar Patel’s cameo of 34-ball 42 took India nearly home. But once again, it was the experience of Mustafizur Rahman that sealed India’s fate. Rohit complimented both Axar and Gill, stating that both of them showed a lot of character.
“Axar batted brilliantly but couldn't finish. He showed a lot of character. But credit to the Bangladesh bowlers. Gill's hundred was brilliant. He backs his game, he knows exactly how he wants to play,” Rohit added.
“Pretty clear on what he wants to do for the team. Look at his form over the last year. Pretty solid against the new ball. Works really hard, there's no optional practice for Gill,” the Indian skipper applauded Gill’s efforts.
Despite the stinging loss at the hands of Bangladesh, India will meet Sri Lanka in the final of the 2023 Asia Cup on Sunday (September 17).