DHAKA – Events unfolding in Trinidad and Tobago four years ago culminated in euphoria on one side of the Bengal border, and gloom on the other as little-fancied Bangladesh landed another blow in a series of blows that would eventually eliminate India from the World Cup in the Caribbean.
Four years later the teams meet again but the stakes this time are different as well, for it is not just India, overwhelming favourites again, who carry a tremendous weight of expectation in the curtain raiser for the 2011 World Cup at the Shere Bangla Stadium in Mirpur.
As Shakib Al Hasan entered the opening ceremony in a decorated cycle rickshaw, soaking in the goodwill from tens of thousands inside the Bangabandhu Stadium, there was a feeling of responsibility, of a magnitude no Bangladesh captain has ever faced before. For the first time, Bangladesh are expected to go beyond the first round of a World Cup.
For the first time, and largely because of a significant home advantage, their passage would not be considered an upset.
Justifiably or not, India have begun several World Cups wearing the favourites tag, but never has that label been more authentic than now.
Their bowling attack might blow hot and cold, but even on their most frigid days, India possess a batting line-up capable of overhauling anything.
And they play all their matches on the familiar pitches of home, apart from today’s opener.
The Indians won’t say that revenge for 2007 is on their minds but there is no chance they will go into the contest with an iota of complacency.
After sitting out both of India’s warm-up matches with a groin niggle, Zaheer Khan bowled during the net session and will lead the attack today.
The major decision India will have to make is whether to play Kohli or Raina. Kohli has been in excellent form, but an extra left-hander, Raina, could be useful in combating Bangladesh’s left-arm spinners.
There was a fitness concern over Shafiul Islam, who bowled only five overs in the warm-up against Pakistan, but he is expected to be fit.
Raqibul Hasan could make the XI ahead of Mohammad Ashraful and Bangladesh could also play two spinning all-rounders in Mahmudullah and Naeem Islam.
“The guys have played enough cricket to cope with the pressure. We are not looking too far ahead. We will take it one game at a time and concentrate on the job at hand.
“I don’t think it can get better than this. Playing a strong side like India has its advantages. We want to prove ourselves against the best,” said Shakib.
His opposite number Mahendra Dhoni said: “Being a co-host will always bring a lot of expectations. But we do not get bogged down by expectations.
“The important thing is to do the process right. We always look to put more emphasis on the process, rather than on winning, and this is what has made us a successful team.” (Cricinfo/EZS)