Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has suggested that the rivalry between India and Bangladesh is not competitive, just like India and Pakistan. India has a potent record against the Tigers, winning 16 out of their 17 T20Is against them.
India has been a dominant force in T20Is as they have ticked the right boxes. The Men in Blue have an 85% winning record under Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership.
India will face Bangladesh at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday in their second game of the Super Fours stage. Both teams had won their opening game of the Super Fours stage and they would look to carry the good show.
Aakash Chopra said on ESPN Cricinfo, “Surya had said such stats should not be called a rivalry. Surya didn’t remember the stats against Pakistan when it was asked. But I agree if the contest is this lopsided and over a period of time if there is a tournament, you’ve won two matches and suddenly say if you’re a better team, maybe not. But if we are talking about 17 matches in T20I history between two sides. So, I wouldn’t call it a rivalry.”
“Bangladesh is competitive and their fans are passionate and I think they deserve better, given the passion. They don’t perform as well and were on the brink of elimination but have reached here. Bangladesh also won their previous game, so expectation is they should perform well against India.”
On the other hand, former Indian pacer Varun Aaron said Bangladesh have always been the dark horse and their fans will be delighted if they can manage to beat India
“They have to deal with it. They are a professional unit and will think about making their fans happy. If Bangladesh can beat India, nothing will give their fans more happiness. Bangladesh have always been the dark horse despite the lopsided stat but they can create an upset in any tournament.”
There is no doubt that Bangladesh will need a collective effort to challenge the potent Indian team.