HYDERABAD : It is the battle before the big war and the soldiers (read cricketers) are ready. India A will take on the visiting Bangladesh side in a two day warm-up game at the Gymkhana Ground in Secunderabad on Sunday. The senior India squad is set to face the latter in a one-off test at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium from February 9.
The excitement is palpable in the young touring team as they reached the match venue for a practice session sharp at 9 am on Saturday, while India A sweated it out at the Gymkhana.
After a disastrous Kiwi sojourn, the eastern neighbours will be looking for redemption against the Indian side in familiar conditions. “This is a good opportunity for us to show that we can perform well against the number one team in the world,” said Taskin Ahmed after finishing his bowling practice.
The lanky right-arm pacer emphasised that adjusting line and length will be a challenge for fast bowlers after playing in New Zealand.
“The conditions are different. We will have to use more variations. I hope we can execute our plans,” said Taskin. The 21-year-old was at the centre of controversy at the start of the World T20 last year when he was reported for a suspect action, only to be reinstated after clearing an ICC test.
The youngster said that the action modification has only helped him gain pace, and he feels confident about his bowling. To top that, the presence of West Indies legend Courtney Walsh as bowling coach has encouraged him as well. “It is an honour to have a legend like him with you. He said that my action is totally right,” said Taskin.
There has been some chatter about fans of both teams brewing rivalry. However, the speedster brushed aside those talks. “We do not believe in all that. The social media is making up this kind of stuff. We do not even think about it,” he told Express.
The biggest weapon in Bangladesh’s arsenal — Mustafizur Rahman — is not in the squad. He would have been of monumental use, considering his experience with current IPL champions Sunrisers Hyderabad. “We are going to miss Mustafizur no doubt, because it is fun bowling with him,” Taskin opined.
On the Indian side of things, all eyes will be on left-handed teenage batsmen Rishabh Pant and Ishan Kishan, who will wish to grab this opportunity by the neck for a smooth arrival in the senior squad. Though a practice match, it promises to be an interesting encounter as household names like Hardik Pandya and Jayant Yadav will also be in action.
vishal@newindianexpress.com