India took the field on Wednesday in Dhaka, at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, to defend their pride and big-cricketing team status in the second ODI of the 3-ODI series against Bangladesh. Rohit Sharma’s side is trailing 1-0 in the series and made two changes in the XI that had lost in the 1st ODI a couple of days ago.
It can be said that both the changes were on expected lines, but had more to do with the fitness of the players than their performances in the first ODI.
Axar Patel, Umran Malik come in for Shahbaz Ahmed, Kuldeep Sen
Axar Patel replaced Shahbaz Ahmed in the side today. Axar had missed the 1st ODI after copping a blow on his ribs in the nets session ahead of the game, and hence was not considered for selection on Sunday.
Instead of Axar, Shahbaz Ahmed, who brings similar characteristics but a different style than Axar, played in what was only his 3rd career ODI. The lack of top-level experience in Shahbaz was reflected as the southpaw was out for a duck and went for 39 runs in 9 overs, including being clattered for boundaries by Liton and Shakib.
Now that Axar is match fit and available, the left-handed bowling all-rounder slotted in straightaway for Shahbaz in this must-win encounter.
Why is Kuldeep Sen not playing today in the 2nd ODI?
Kuldeep Sen, who made his debut in the 1st ODI, had gone down with “back stiffness” after Sunday’s game, the BCCI said, and hence he’s not fit for today’s match.
“Kuldeep Sen complained of back stiffness following the first ODI on Sunday. The BCCI Medical Team assessed him and has advised him rest. He was not available for selection for the 2nd ODI,” the BCCI said.
Sen picked up the wickets of lower-order batters Afif Hossain and tailender Ebadot Hossain. But the debutant was erratic in his lines, giving away a few extras, plus he also buckled under pressure when Mehidy smashed him for a couple of sixes. Overall, Sen leaked 37 runs in 5 overs, his economy of 7.2 in a low-scoring game hurt India badly.
Umran Malik, who has 3 ODIs under his belt in the series in New Zealand and a lot of extra pace, replaced Sen for the 2nd ODI vs Bangladesh.
