Bengaluru, March 24: Bangladesh had India in the coffin at the Chinnaswamy in Bengaluru but couldn't find the nails. The visitors embraced defeat after requiring just two runs off three balls by losing three successive wickets in an eventful final over bowled by youngster Hardik Pandya.
The Indian fans were understandly elated while the Bangladeshi supporters were left in tears. The media of Bangladesh was left stunned and some held experienced players like Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah for the loss as their efforts to finish off the match with big blows failed to deliver.
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Bangladesh media left stunned by 1-run loss " />India beat Bangladesh by 1 run;
Bangladesh media left stunned by 1-run loss
But having spoken about the Bangladeshi batsmen's harakiri, it will also be no exaggeration to say the Indian team was not up to the mark in this match which many had expected it to win easily.
To start with, the Indian batsmen had an ordinary day in office. In fact, the much-vaunted batting line-up hasn't really fired in this tournament so far, except the Virat Kohli-Yuvraj Singh partnership in the match against Pakistan at the Eden Gardens last week.
Against Bangladesh, too, there were a number of starts but none of the top batsmen went on to make the 20-30s into a 60 or 70 and as a result, India were restricted to below 150. The score of 146 wouldn't have been a problem for the chasers unless they commit suicide like Bangladesh.
There are a number of batsmen in the current eleven who are not producing enough runs on a consistent basis. Rohit Sharma looks a sleeping giant who, on his day of awakening, will destroy any bowling but this World Cup is yet to see such a day. Shikhar Dhawan doesn't look consistent either. Suresh Raina doesn't look comfortable against quality bowling while Yuvraj Singh looks a mere shadow of his past.
Except Virat Kohli, none of the top batsmen of the team seem to be consistent enough. In the era of IPL when there is no shortage of batsmen who are playing well, why does the Indian team decide against changing the playing XI? Not every side is Bangladesh and India's performance at the Chinnaswamy doesn't promise enough for the remaining part of the tournament.
The bowling looks a slightly better-functioning department though there is much scope to improve there too. India pulled Bangladesh back between 13th and 19th overs, thanks to a good show by both the pacers and spinners but yet there were far too many loose balls in between.
There are talks that Suresh Raina and Yuvraj Singh could have been used more as bowlers but lesser bowlers are less trusted at key moments of a match in these parts. Moreover, given Yuvraj's body language in the field, it looks he is not very fit to bowl either.
The fielding was good on the ground but dropping of two key catches could have cost India the match had it been a stronger opponent. MS Dhoni made up for these loophopes by effecting two good stumpings and the final-ball run-out but that will not happen everyday.
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