Rain in Dubai is uncommon, but when it does rain, it can cause significant disruption, as seen last year when the city came to a standstill. Recently, on February 18, the city experienced rain, leaving the weather gloomy. While another rain-induced disruption is unlikely, the conditions could challenge the Indian cricket team, which has selected five spinners for their Champions Trophy campaign. Their first match against Bangladesh on February 20 might be affected by the weather, potentially disrupting India’s plans.
The forecast for the next 24 hours is not unfavorable, but cloudy conditions, though rare, cannot be ruled out. This raises concerns about the team’s composition, especially with Jasprit Bumrah absent. However, captain Rohit Sharma’s strategic acumen cannot be underestimated. He has a history of making the right team decisions, as seen in India’s victories in the 2023 World Cup and 2024 T20 World Cup. With spinners like Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, and Varun Chakaravarthy, India’s strategy might pay off, particularly since all matches will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS), where wet conditions are unlikely to last long.
Recent trends suggest that having five spinners isn’t a bad strategy for a short tournament like the Champions Trophy. As temperatures rise, dry conditions could favor spin bowling, a pattern observed in the recent ILT20, where spinners gained effectiveness as the tournament progressed. However, Rohit Sharma clarified that India hasn’t selected five spinners, stating, “There are two spinners; the other three are all-rounders. We’re playing to our strengths.”
Experts believe Dubai’s conditions could become more spin-friendly as summer approaches. Even Bangladesh, known for its pace attack, might field three spinners. Additionally, Dubai’s tendency to favor teams batting second could play a role. In the 2021 T20 World Cup and the recent ILT20, most matches in Dubai were won by the chasing side. A similar trend was seen in ODIs at DICS, where chasing teams have won nine out of 13 matches.
Despite these trends, Rohit Sharma remains focused on what works best for his team. “We’ll discuss strategies with Gautam Gambhir and the team,” he said. While statistics provide insights, every match is unique, and adaptability will be key. Ultimately, the toss could play a crucial role, but India’s preparation and strategy will determine their success.
Najmul Hossain Shanto will need to take charge and set a strong example
When: February 20, 1:00 PM Local Time, 2:30 PM IST
Where: Dubai International Cricket Stadium
What to expect: There might be some clouds on match day, but rain is unlikely. Teams will likely prefer to chase.
Team News:
India:
Rohit Sharma may play three left-arm spinners. Despite Harshit Rana’s good performance against England, Mohammed Shami is expected to play to prepare for the tournament.
Probable XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh
Bangladesh:
If conditions suit fast bowling, Bangladesh is ready with their strong fast-bowling options. Nahid Rana will be key against India’s top batsmen.
Probable XI: Tanzid Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Jaker Ali / Towhid Hridoy, Nasum Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Tanzim Sakib / Mustafizur Rahman
Did you know?
- India have played six ODIs in Dubai (all in the 2018 Asia Cup), winning five and tying one.
- India have been strong in ODIs over the last 15 years, losing only three of 35 group-stage games in six tournaments.
- The last time Bangladesh played in an ICC event without Shakib Al Hasan was the 2004 Champions Trophy.
What they said:
Rohit Sharma: “We will miss some players, but we have enough quality and experience to feel confident about our plans.”
Najmul Hossain Shanto: “We have good memories from last year’s match against India, but that’s in the past. If we play well tomorrow, we can have a good game.”