India vs Bangladesh T20I series, preview, key players, prediction: Battered, bruised Bangladesh seek unlikely triumph

The entire Bangladesh squad had gone on an indefinite strike about a week ago, leaving all cricket (including the Indian tour) in jeopardy. While that was sorted out, but a significantly bigger blow followed when ICC banned Test and T20I captain Shakib Al Hasan for two years (one year suspended) for breach of anti-corruption codes.

Bangladesh, already crippled by the loss of Tamim Iqbal, made swift changes to their squads. They also had to appoint new captains, and they chose Mahmudullah for T20Is and Mominul Haque for Tests. They have eventually arrived in India for three T20Is (at Delhi, Rajkot, and Nagpur) and two Tests (at Indore and Kolkata).

Despite the blow, however, Bangladesh do have a formidable side. While Mahmudullah, Mushfiqur Rahim, Soumya Sarkar, Liton Das, and Mosaddek Hossain are as dangerous a batting line-up as any, the bowling will be spearheaded by the wily Mustafizur Rahman.

India, on the other hand, have just thrashed South Africa 3-0. They have rested Virat Kohli, and have drafted in Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube for the T20Is. Both men have established their credentials in domestic cricket, and are set to convert them at the highest level.

Barring Kohli and the injured Kuldeep Yadav and Hardik Pandya, however, India have their full squad, and will definitely take field as favourites. They have, after all, won all their 8 T20Is against India.

Key players

Krunal Pandya (India): Arguably the greatest Indian all-rounder in the history of the IPL, Krunal has quickly established himself as a key member of the Indian side. It is now time to rise to the next level, that of indispensability in the side.

Mustafizur Rahman (Bangladesh): Four years ago, The Fizz had ripped through India to announce his arrival in international cricket. With his canny change of pace and trademark cutters, he continues to remain one of the finest bowlers in the format, especially at the death.

Prediction

India to sweep series 3-0.