Also looking to make a mark are Karnataka’s Mayank Agarwal, Manish Pandey, Karun Nair and S Arvind.
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Dhawal Kulkarni enjoyed a good bowl in the nets ahead of the first one-dayer. While a series win will, no doubt, be a massive boost for either side, the result is not as important as the larger picture. There is a lot to learn for me as well. “Bangladesh are here with an experienced squad”. The teams have several players who are either playing for the national outfit or knocking on the doors of selectors.
It will be a good chance for the the fringe players to get some runs under the belt.
“It does no matter if we lost the series to Bangladesh (ODIs in June). Performing well here is good for their cause and the cause of Indian cricket”, Dravid said. “Someone like Raina, who has not played much cricket for long, will have the opportunity of getting back into the groove ahead of the South Africa series. We’ll try and give him as many batting opportunities as we can”, said the 42-year-old.
“Many of the players have been named in the probables”.
Bangladesh A: Mominul Hoque (captain), Nasir Hossain (vice-captain), Anamul Hoque Bijoy, Rony Talukdar, Liton Kumar Das, Shabbir Rahaman, Soumya Sarker, Saqlain Sajib, Arafat Sunny, Rubel Hossain, Shafiul Islam, Al-Amin Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Shuvagata Hom Chowdhury, Jubair Hossain.
“My role is only to guide them and boost them psychologically”.
Raina can expect some quality pace bowling with senior team trio of Taskin Ahmed, Al Amin Hossain and Rubel Hossain expected to be in action at the Chinnaswamy Stadium tomorrow. This is a huge series for the boys in terms of gaining experience.
Bangladesh coach Heath Streak identified winning the series as his primary objective.
India will next face a tough test against South Africa, with three Twenty20 Internationals, five One-Day Internationals and four Tests slated in October and November.
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While Raina’s tormentor during the Bangladesh series Mustafizur Rahaman is not a part of the attack, the neighbouring country will be hoping that the players do well before their home series against Australia kicks off.
