Delhi, Former Bangladesh opener Imrul Kayes reckons the absence of Jasprit Bumrah will present his crew a chance to place India’s tempo assault beneath stress when the 2 groups open their Champions Trophy marketing campaign on February 20.
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India go into the sport as overwhelming favourites as Bangladesh enter the match behind an extended struggling spell within the ODIs.
“India is a strong side with a great bowling attack and batting lineup. But Bumrah is not in the squad. We all know what he has done in the last two years for Indian cricket. His absence gives Bangladesh a chance to capitalize,” Kayes instructed PTI Movies.
Kayes performed 39 Exams, 78 ODIs and 14 T20s for Bangladesh.
In Bumrah’s absence, a rusty Mohammed Shami will lead India’s tempo assault together with Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh.
“Shami’s inclusion is big. He may be struggling a bit with fitness right now, but if he finds his rhythm, he will be a big threat for Bangladesh,” Kayes famous.
Bangladesh shall be with out veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan and out of shape batter Litton Das.
Kayes stated Shakib’s absence is sure to be felt.
“I definitely miss Shakib because he is a very good player. His impact on any match is immense. At the moment, Bangladesh is struggling. They are struggling because if Shakib is not playing, Bangladesh might play an additional spinner. That’s the main problem.
“Litton’s kind was an enormous concern for the crew. However in the previous few BPL matches, he did rating some runs. Nonetheless, Soumya Sarkar and Tanzid Tamim have carried out higher, and I believe the crew is in fine condition in that division,” stated Kayes.
With Shakib lacking, Kayes expects vice-captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz to step up as Bangladesh’s premier all-rounder.
“If you see Mehidy Hasan, when he came to the national team, he was new, but his courage is amazing. His character shows he is a champion player. He doesn’t care about anybody; he always believes, ‘I will do it.’
“Mehidy can bat anywhere. In the 2018 Asia Cup final, he opened the batting against India. Shakib can also bat anywhere. So, if you compare, Mehidy will probably fill the gap.
“But bowling-wise, Bangladesh will miss Shakib because he is a left-handed spinner. The impact he creates with his bowling is invaluable for our team,” he emphasised.