Cricket World Cup 2015: Team India, Bangladesh won't be easy

There is something about a knockout game. It tests your temperament, mental strength and the ability to come good in pressure situations. South Africa handled it brilliantly while Sri Lanka just surrendered on Tuesday.

I never expected such a lop-sided encounter involving two of the top teams of the world. Sri Lanka are former champions and South Africa are looking to win their maiden title but this match can hardly be remembered for any competition.

A day ahead of the India-Bangladesh quarter-final, I am wondering if Sri Lanka had peaked early. That may not be the case with India though. The team, led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni, has shown the bright side of collective strength. They are not a team that depends on one or two players. India are favourites against Bangladesh but there is no reason for them to take the match lightly.

Bangladesh has nothing to lose and that can be the biggest motivating factor for them. Having come thus far, the expectations on Bangladesh may have risen as far as their supporters are concerned.

India have improved with every match. From the time they beat Pakistan in the opening match and then dominated the contest against South Africa, it has been an upward trend for India. Most batsmen have been in fine touch and the bowlers have found their rhythm to make a huge impression during the league phase.

If there is a worry I would say it is the inconsistent form of Rohit Sharma. He has the gift to dictate when he is sighting the ball well but he has to look at his shot-selection for he can be a great asset with his range  of  strokes. Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli have played their part well. Ajinkya Rahane has the capacity to raise his game. The top-order needs to fire on the strength of Rohit’s batting because that would mean a lot for India if they are looking to travel the distance in this tournament.

Suresh Raina is the key. The Indian bowlers have adapted remarkably to the conditions in Australia. The experience of playing the Test and the tri-series has come in handy, especially for Mohammad Shami. The arrival of Mohit Sharma has given the attack the variety that Dhoni was looking for. Shami’s length and Mohit’s line of attack have been exemplary.

At the cost of repeating myself, I have to give lot of credit to Ravichandran Ashwin. He has had a major contribution to make in the middle overs and has emerged a wicket-taking bowler. His ten overs, with support from Ravindra Jadeja and Raina, give his captain some terrific options to experiment with since the pace attack wears an assured look.

I am, however, disappointed with Jadeja’s bowling. He is not contributing much with the bat either. I won’t hesitate to include Axar Patel in the playing XI because he is certainly a better bowler than Jadeja. If Umesh Yadav can make a couple of strikes, which he is capable of, a major part of the contest would be won in the initial stage of the match.

Coming back to Bangladesh, they are a team full of passionate cricketers. They back themselves well and the victory against England, earning them a place in the knock-out, was indeed a landmark day in Bangladesh’s cricket history.

Mahmudullah is in excellent touch and his two centuries in the tournament so far makes him the batsman to watch out for. There are others in the Bangladesh top-order like Tamim Iqbal and Soumya Sarkar, who can give the Indian bowlers some anxious moments.

If I am the captain, I will treat Bangladesh with lot of respect. Sri Lanka’s exit means we are going to miss the batting of Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene in ODIs. Hats off to them for playing the game with dignity.