IND vs BAN: Bangladesh predict slow pitch in Gwalior but Suryakumar Yadav does not agree

IND vs BAN: Ahead of the first T20I against India, Bangladesh batter Towhid Hridoy has predicted that the Gwalior pitch could be slow in nature. The statement from Hridoy is in complete contrast to the reports that the Gwalior T20I could be a high-scoring game.

In the pre-match press conference ahead of the match, the 23-year-old revealed that the practice wickets were slow at the newly-built Shrimant Madhavrao Stadium which would be hosting its first international match on Sunday, October 6.

"T20 is a game of runs, every team wants to score runs. But no international match has happened here, it is a new venue. We don't know what will be the condition. Looking at the practice wicket, I feel it is a slow pitch. In such wickets, having a high-scoring game is very less. No IPL match has also happened here," Hridoy said.

However, India captain Suryakumar Yadav did not agree to Hridoy's assumptions. He reckoned that the wicket would produce a competitive T20I match.

"The wicket does not appear low and slow to us. I think it will be a good. competitive T20 pitch," Suryakumar said.

Will miss Shakib Al Hasan but hopeful of beating India

Further, the youngster admitted that Bangladesh will feel the absence of Shakib Al Hasan who confirmed his retirement from T20I cricket ahead of the second Test against India in Kanpur. However, Hridoy also asserted that Bangladesh are hopeful of beating India.

"Pressure is always there, but if we think about that then we will not be able to perform well, our focus is always on process and how to perform. Shakib bhai is not there, we will miss him but everyone has to go one day, we are hopeful we will be able to beat them," said Hridoy.

Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian T20I side will be without the likes of Yashasvi Jasiwal, Shubman Gill, and Jasprit Bumrah but are still the favourites to steamroll the visitors.

Suryakumar Yadav has confirmed that Sanju Samson would be opening with Abhishek Sharma. India have also called leg-spinner Varun Chakravarthy after three years, and also given a maiden call-up to tearaway pacer Mayank Yadav. It remains to be seen if Chakravarthy and Mayank get a place in the playing eleven on Sunday.

Bangladesh and India have played 14 T20I matches against each other. India have emerged victorious on 13 occasions.