Bangladesh Faces India in T20 Series Opener in Gwalior

After being clean swept in the Test series, Bangladesh will go head-to-head with India in the first match of a three-match T20 series this evening in Gwalior. This new venue presents an unfamiliar challenge for both teams, but Bangladesh will have the added pressure of facing an enthusiastic crowd of 33,000 fans.

On the eve of the series, the BCCI announced that Shivam Dube would not play against Bangladesh due to injury, with Tilak Varma stepping in as his replacement. There’s also a possibility that Mayank Yadav could make his international debut in Gwalior, along with Nitish Kumar Reddy.

Bangladesh will welcome the return of all-rounder Mehedi Hasan Miraz to their T20 squad. Parvez Hossain Emon is expected to take the spot of Tanzid Hasan Tamim, who has struggled with three ducks in his last four T20 matches.

While Bangladesh may hold an experience advantage over India, the Indian batsmen will have to contend with Bangladesh’s leg-spinner Rishad Hossain, who could pose a significant threat.

In 2024, Bangladesh has a balanced record in international T20s with nine wins and nine losses, having claimed victories against Zimbabwe, the Netherlands, Nepal, and the USA. In contrast, India has been dominant, winning 18 of their 19 T20 matches this year, including two Super Over victories, and they remain unbeaten in their last seven matches in this format.