BAN vs IND, 1st ODI: Fantasy Suggestions

Rohit Sharma and Litton Das with the trophy [Source: Twitter]

On Sunday, India and Bangladesh will clash in the first ODI of the three-match series in Dhaka. 

This series will mark the return of India's marquee players, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli, to ODI cricket. On the other hand, Bangladesh will miss their regular skipper Tamim Iqbal, with Litton Das leading them in the series. 

As two formidable white-ball teams gear up for a fascinating clash, let's see which players could be the top picks for your fantasy team. 

Hot Picks

Virat Kohli 

Virat Kohli in action [Source: Twitter]

The legendary Indian batter returned to his vintage best in the Asia Cup 2022 and has been unstoppable since then. He had a tremendous T20 World Cup Down Under and has amassed 970 runs at an average of 80.83 and a strike rate of 100.21 in 15 ODI innings in Bangladesh. 

Shakib Al Hasan

The talismanic all-rounder enjoys playing in Dhaka, having scored 2553 runs and picked 122 wickets in 85 matches at the venue. Additionally, Shakib has a good track record against India in ODIs, amassing 591 runs and scalping 19 wickets in 18 matches. 

Shreyas Iyer

The promising Indian batter has had a fruitful year with the bat. He has exhibited incredible consistency in the ODIs this year, garnering 615 runs at a superb average of 61.50. 

Expert's choice

KL Rahul

KL Rahul [Source: Twitter]

I know many of you are disappointed with KL Rahul after his underwhelming performance in the T20 World Cup. But he is a different beast altogether when it comes to ODI cricket. He has been exceptional for India as a finisher (453 runs, average: 56.63, SR: 113.82) and will bat at number five as India will go with their first-choice top three in this game. So, I back him to score some crucial runs down the order. 

Mohammed Siraj

The lanky seamer will likely open the bowling alongside Deepak Chahar. He is someone who can swing as well as seam the ball. Additionally, he will be India's primary death bowler in the death overs. So, I expect him to emerge as India's trump card with the ball in this match. 

Litton Das

The stand-in Bangladesh captain has enjoyed stellar success in the ODIs this year, slamming 500 runs at an average of 62.50 and a strike rate of 85.91. Recently, he hammered a breathtaking knock against India in the T20 World Cup. 

The hallmark of his World Cup knock was his timing and method of dealing with the new-ball movement. Although Litton doesn't have a great record at the venue, I expect him to come well in this game, considering the aforementioned factors. 

Risky Picks

Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma is undergoing a rough patch [Source: Twitter]

The Indian captain is going through a torrid time with the bat. Regarded as one of the finest batters of this generation, Rohit failed miserably with the bat in the T20 World Cup and will play his first ODI after five months. 

So, he will be a bit rusty. Secondly, his ODI record in Bangladesh isn't impressive (331 runs at 30.09). So, considering these facts, I think Rohit will be a risky pick for this match. 

Mustafizur Rahman

The experienced left-arm seamer troubled India every time he bowled the last time these two teams met in a bilateral series. However, he has scalped only 12 wickets in 11 ODIs this year and had a quiet T20 World Cup Down Under. So, even if he bowls economic spells, I don't think he will give you many points by picking wickets. 

Top Differentials for grand leagues

Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant in action [Source: Twitter]

Two successive failures in New Zealand don't discount Rishabh Pant's recent exploits in ODI cricket. The swashbuckling southpaw emerged as India's x-factor on spin-friendly decks against England last year. 

If he plays, he will likely be up against two slow left-armers in the middle overs. More importantly, he has an outstanding record against right-arm off-spinners this year (averages 158 across formats). So, he can be a great differential pick for you in this game. 

Hasan Mahmud

The promising seamer can operate the new as well as the old ball. He bowls good cutters and nails yorkers to perfection in the death overs. So, he can be a good differential pick for you, especially if Bangladesh bowl first in this match. 

Also Read: BAN vs IND, 1st ODI: Preview, Prediction and Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips