ICC Champions Trophy 2017: India vs Bangladesh, 5 players to watch out for

India take on Bangladesh at Birmingham in the second semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 with a fan-war in the offing. The two sides, despite a vast gap in the rankings, have always entertained fans.

The T20 World Cup clash between these sides turned out to be a humdinger which India eventually won. The contests between these two have become closer over the years with Bangladesh a vastly improved side in the recent past. They have reached the semi-finals of an ICC tournament for the first time in their history and boast of some experienced players in their line-up.

India, meanwhile, were at their best in a virtual knockout match against the Proteas to finish on top of their group. They will be more than happy to play Bangladesh in the semi-finals but need to avoid being complacent. Bangladesh are no pushovers as they proved in the match against the Kiwis.

Here are five players to watch out for from the match.

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#5 Mushfiqur Rahim

Not loved by the Indian fans after his premature celebrations in the World T20 in 2016, Rahim is a mainstay in the Bangladesh middle-order. A short statured, dynamic batsman, Rahim can play the patience game or go the attacking route. He is equally adept against pace and spin, making him a real threat in the middle overs.

Rahim is also in good nick having smashed a vital half-century against England in the opening game. He was undone by pace against Australia and New Zealand but should fancy his chances against India. The wicket-keeper batsman also boasts a good record against India.

Record against India

Matches - 18, Runs - 517, HS - 117, Avg - 36.92

#4 Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma is slowly hitting his straps and Thursday could well turn out to be his night

The onus is on the 'Hitman' to fire. He has got off to decent starts but has gifted his wicket away more often than not, unlike his partner, Shikhar Dhawan, who has once again had a dream ICC tournament. Rohit will know that he needs to play a big role in the upcoming knockout clashes.

The Mumbai Indians batsman has completed a decade in international cricket and the time is ripe for him to churn out a match-winning performance in a tournament semi-final. Dhawan has stolen the limelight in ICC tournaments thus far and Birmingham could just witness a Rohit Sharma special.

Record against Bangladesh

Matches - 9, Runs - 302, HS - 137, Avg - 33.55

#3 Shakib Al Hasan

Shakib and Mahmudullah were scintillating in the game against the Kiwis

The experienced Bangladeshi all-rounder silenced his critics with a mesmerising knock in the final game of the league stages that knocked the Kiwis out of the tournament. Shakib was due a big one and it came when it mattered the most for his side.

With his side at 33/4, Shakib and Mahmudullah put together a record 224 run stand that took their team to the brink of victory. Shakib has also been tidy with the ball without necessarily catching the eye and the semi-final clash against India would provide him with the perfect platform to produce some magic.

Record against India

Matches - 15, Runs - 493, Batting Avg - 37.92, Wickets - 17, Bowling Avg - 36.58

#2 Ravichandran Ashwin

Ashwin's guile will be a huge weapon for India in the semis

The highly rated Indian off-spinner was benched for the first two games before making a return in the final group stage game against South Africa. He announced his return with the big scalp of Hashim Amla that triggered the collapse.

Ashwin bowled with vigour, mixing up pace and flight on the ball, and that should see him be picked once again for the semi-final clash against Bangladesh. The Chennai spinner has a plethora of variations up his sleeve and is a street smart bowler who could be a handful for the Tigers in a must-win encounter.

Record against Bangladesh

Matches - 6, Wickets - 8, BBI - 3/51, Avg - 31.75

#1 Jasprit Bumrah

Bumrah showed his versatility as a bowler by taking the new ball against the Proteas

The Mumbai Indians seamer was handed the new ball in the absence of Umesh Yadav in the game against South Africa and responded well, bowling a tight stump to stump line against Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock. The young seamer was clever enough to use his variations only when necessary and resorted to line and length stuff with the new ball.

The manner in which he responded to the call of his skipper was commendable. The incisive second spell in which he took three wickets showed the talent the unorthodox bowler has. If Bumrah can tie down the openers and return to bowl some toe-crushing yorkers, Bangladesh will find themselves in deep trouble.

Record against Bangladesh

Bumrah is yet to play an ODI against Bangladesh