BAN vs IND, 2nd ODI: Key player battles

By V Shashank

Dec 06, 2022

06:04 pm

What's the story

After a humbling defeat in the first ODI, India will look to settle the scores in the second outing on Wednesday.

While Indian batters failed big time, a dropped catch in the final moments proved fatal to their chance.

Although Rohit Sharma's men will be hungrier to draw levels, Bangladesh have match-winners to hand another agonizing defeat.

We decode the player battles.

Bangladesh's stand-in skipper Litton Das delivered the needful in the series opener.

Chasing 187, the in-form right-hander scored a pivotal 41 off 63 deliveries.

Litton has smacked 541 runs this year, averaging a laud-worthy 60.11 (50s: 4, 100s: 1).

His stay was curtailed by Indian off-spinner Washington Sundar.

While the former is a good player of spin, he must play Sundar with caution.

Mohammed Siraj has been India's go-to man with the new ball in ODIs this year.

The right-armer has made the opportunities count, snapping up 21 wickets at 22.09.

He trumped Anamul Haque in the previous fixture. He ended up claiming 3/32 in 10 overs.

The likes of Litton and Najmul Hossain Shanto would be wary of the threat that he offers.

Shreyas Iyer has been a pivotal player in ODI cricket over the last few years.

The right-hander has clubbed five fifties and a hundred in 2022. However, the short ball continues to be his Achilles heel.

Ebadot Hossain got him out on 24 in the first ODI. He eventually picked a four-fer.

The right-arm pacer will look to emulate his antics against the Mumbaiksar.

Spin all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan showcased why he's a formidable figure at home in the format.

He picked a mouth-dropping five-fer in the last game (5/36), troubling India's top and middle-order.

Notably, he uprooted Indian linchpin Virat Kohli (9) right after the powerplay.

Versus Shakib, Kohli averages merely 29.50 (dismissals: 4).

The Indian batter will look to come on top in the must-win duel.