3 Bangladesh Players Who Can Be Game-Changers Against India In Champions Trophy

Mehidy Hasan Miraz [Source: @muzammaldgr/X.com]

The India-Bangladesh rivalry in ICC tournaments has evolved into a compelling narrative of grit, unpredictability, and high-stakes drama. Over the years, Bangladesh has shed its underdog tag, often pushing top-tier teams to their limits with fearless cricket.

As the two sides prepare to clash in the Champions Trophy 2025 on February 20, the contest promises to be a tactical battle. For India, the experienced core of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah-less pace attack will aim to dominate. However, Bangladesh’s knack for unsettling India in crunch moments ensures this matchup is far from straightforward.

Hence, let's take a look at the three Tigers who could disrupt India’s plans and tilt the game in their favour.

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1. Mushfiqur Rahim

Mushfiqur Rahim is one of the most experienced batters in the Bangladesh squad and can bring in valuable contributions with the bat against India. The 37-year-old has had a decent average of 31.95 against India in ODIs which shows his consistency. Known for his patient knocks, Rahim boasts 7793 ODI runs with an average of 36.75 and a strike rate of 79.73.

Table - Mushfiqur Rahim's stats against India

A hallmark of Mushfiqur's game, which is a long, stable, and resilient stay at the crease, could also frustrate India’s middle-overs strategy, where Kuldeep, Jadeja, and Axar Patel typically tighten the screws. 

Table - Mushfiqur Rahim's recent ODI form

If Rahim weathers India’s middle-over assault, he could anchor Bangladesh's middle order for a competitive total or chase, forcing India’s bowling attack to step back into a defensive mindset.

2. Mehidy Hasan Miraz

Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s dual threat as a dependable all-rounder makes him a potent weapon for Bangladesh against India. His ability to deliver clutch performances with both bat and ball adds layers to Bangladesh’s strategy, particularly in subcontinental conditions. 

With over 1,500 ODI runs and two centuries, Mehidy is a middle-order stabilizer who can absorb pressure and accelerate when needed. On the other hand, Miraz’s miserly economy of 4.84 in ODIs allows Bangladesh to control the middle overs. 

Table - Mehidy Hasan Miraz's batting stats in ODIs

Table - Mehidy Hasan Miraz's bowling stats in ODIs

In 19 games against India, Miraz has managed to bag an impressive 563 runs at an average of 26.80. With the ball too, he managed 31 wickets where his best bowling figures against India stands at 5/63.

Table - Mehidy Hasan Miraz's batting ODI stats against India

Table - Mehidy Hasan Miraz's bowling ODI stats against India

Miraz will be a threat to India in UAE and Pakistan's slow and low pitches which are conducive to spin, and they mirror those conditions where he has historically excelled. 

3. Taskin Ahmed

Taskin Ahmed’s raw pace, bounce, and improved consistency have transformed him into Bangladesh’s strike bowler. His ability to swing the new ball at high speeds could test India’s openers, particularly Rohit Sharma’s early vulnerability against movement. 

He is an absolute beast against India with a proven track record in ODIs. He has scalped 14 wickets in 7 ODI matches against India with an astonishing best figure haul of 5/28. 

Table - Taskin Ahmed's stats against India in ODIs

Taskin’s middle-overs spells, targeting India’s anchors, will be equally crucial. His death-bowling skills on Dubai pitches mixing yorkers and slower balls, might also challenge Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja in the final overs. 

Table - Taskin Ahmed's recent form

With India missing Bumrah’s precision at the death, Taskin’s aggression and recent consistent form, he could disrupt India’s batting rhythm and restrict them to a below-par total regardless of any half of the game.

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