The first ODI of the three-match series between India and Bangladesh is currently underway in Dhaka on Sunday (December 4). Litton Das, the hosts’ captain, invited India to bat first after winning the toss. His decision to invite India to bat first in the series opener paid off, as Bangladesh got rid of the top three Indian batters: Shikhar Dhawan (7), Rohit Sharma (27), and Virat Kohli (9), inside the first 11 overs.
Dhawan was the first to return to the pavilion. He was dismissed by Mehidy Hasan Miraz on the second ball of the sixth over. And then in the 11th over, former skipper and star Bangladeshi all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan gave India a double jolt when, in the space of three balls, he sent both Rohit and Kohli back to the pavilion.
While Rohit, who is now India’s sixth-leading run scorer in ODI matches, was bowled out on the second ball, Kohli, who has been in stunning form since the start of the Asia Cup, was caught by Bangladeshi skipper Litton on the fourth ball.
The former Indian captain could only manage to score nine runs from 15 balls with the help of one four. Das went flying in the air to complete the catch and end Virat’s stay at the crease. And as Das completed the catch cleanly, Virat couldn’t believe his eyes. He was left stunned by the opposition captain’s heroic effort on the field.
The video of his stunning catch and his stunned reaction went viral on the internet.
For the Bangladesh ODI series, India have selected a full-strength side as far as the batting department is concerned. Rohit, Virat, Dhawan, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer are all selected in the 17-member squad and are playing the first match as well. Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant was also selected but was released from the squad just before the start of the first ODI.
The BCCI posted a statement on Twitter after the toss to confirm the news. In the first ODI, India handed an ODI debut to right-arm pacer Kuldeep Sen, who plays for the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL and represents Madhya Pradesh in domestic cricket.
