The truth is that Bangladesh are no match for India: Basit Ali

Ahead of the three-match T20I series between India and Bangladesh, it was expected that the visitors, who had been humbled in the Test series, would pose a significantly greater challenge for an Indian side devoid of its usual 20-over regular players. None of it was visible in the first T20I played in Gwalior as the hosts swept through a tame Bangladeshi lineup, first with the ball and then with the bat, to register an oppressive seven-wicket victory.

Former Pakistan cricketer, Basit Ali, who is renowned to state facts as bluntly as they could be, was quick to share that Bangladesh had been completely overpowered by a youthful Indian squad. He also suggested that post securing the series in the bag, they could also test their squad depth in the dead rubber to be played in Hyderabad.   

"The truth is that Bangladesh are no match for India. In fact, after winning the second match, India can also play any other kids who are left," stated Basit, in a video he shared on his official YouTube channel.

Debut appearances at the international stage were handed out to Mayank Yadav and Nitish Kumar Reddy as the likes of T20I regulars comprising Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shumban Gill, Rishabh Pant, Axar Patel, and Jasprit Bumrah were rested for the series. 

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Mayank on the money as Varun impresses on India's return

Mayank was arguably the most-anticipated player to watch out for on the roster of the 15-member squad. He did not disappoint one bit on his return to competitve cricket. His express pace was for everyone to witness as the very first over he bowled in international cricket was a maiden, joining the likes of Ajit Agarkar and Arshdeep Singh in an elusive list of Indians achieving the same feat.

Meanwhile, the mystery spin of Varun Chakravarthy was too hot to handle. Coming after a long hiatus from international cricket of almost three years, he came back impressively well after conceding 15 in his first over to return figures of 3/31 in his four-over quota.

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With Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma, Harshit Rana, and Ravi Bishnoi having not gotten an opportunity to showcase themselves in the first game of the 20-over series, it remains to be seen the squad rotation done for the remainder of the series.