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Bangladesh Champions will face a challenging test when they take on India Champions in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2026 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Sunday, October 11. Bangladesh will look to combine their experienced batting unit with a disciplined bowling performance to compete against an Indian side packed with former international stars.
The Bangladesh squad features several familiar names, including Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah, Mohammad Ashraful and Imrul Kayes. Their all-round abilities and international experience could be important in a T20 contest where momentum can change quickly. The bowling attack also has options in Rubel Hossain, Abu Jayed and Arafat Sunny.
WCL 2026: Bangladesh Champions’ predicted playing XI vs India Champions
This is a predicted XI based on the announced squad, not a confirmed team sheet.
Imrul Kayes could open the innings and provide Bangladesh with a steady start. His experience at the international level makes him a suitable option to handle the pressure of facing India’s experienced bowling attack.
His primary responsibility will be to negotiate the powerplay without allowing the run rate to fall behind. If he finds his timing early, he can take advantage of the fielding restrictions and give Bangladesh a platform for a competitive total.
Rony Talukdar is another candidate to open the batting. He can complement Imrul by looking for scoring opportunities early and putting pressure on India’s bowlers.
The opening partnership will be important because Bangladesh cannot afford to lose wickets in quick succession against a side with several experienced spinners. Rony’s ability to rotate the strike while capitalising on loose deliveries could help the visitors establish momentum.
Shakib Al Hasan is likely to be one of Bangladesh’s most important players. His experience, left-handed batting and left-arm spin offer value in both innings.
Batting at No. 3 would allow him to enter early if Bangladesh lose a wicket or build on a strong opening stand. Against India’s experienced bowling unit, Shakib will need to read the conditions quickly and balance calculated aggression with strike rotation. His overs could also help Bangladesh control the middle phase of India’s innings.
Mahmudullah brings calmness and considerable experience to the middle order. He can rebuild after early wickets or accelerate when Bangladesh have a platform to attack.
His partnership with Shakib could determine whether Bangladesh maintain their scoring rate through the middle overs. Mahmudullah’s ability to assess the required run rate and target specific bowlers makes him a key figure in the predicted lineup.
Mohammad Ashraful adds another experienced batter to the middle order. Known for his ability to play inventive and attacking strokes, he could be useful if Bangladesh need to increase the tempo.
His role would be to support the established batters while taking advantage of scoring opportunities. Against India’s spin options, Ashraful will need to use his footwork and placement effectively rather than allow the bowlers to settle into a rhythm.
Nasir Hossain offers balance as an all-rounder who can contribute with both bat and ball. His inclusion gives Bangladesh flexibility in the middle and lower order.
With the bat, Nasir could be asked to accelerate during the final overs or stabilise the innings after a cluster of wickets. His bowling provides the captain with another option if the main attack needs support.
Jahurul Islam could take the wicketkeeping duties while providing another batting option. His position in the lower middle order would allow Bangladesh to retain depth while giving the top-order batters time to build their innings.
Behind the stumps, he will need to remain alert against India’s aggressive stroke-makers, particularly when the spinners are operating.
Ziaur Rahman could serve as a valuable lower-order all-rounder. His ability to contribute with the bat and provide a bowling option would help Bangladesh maintain a balanced combination.
If the top order lays a solid foundation, Ziaur could play an important role in the closing overs. He will also be expected to support the frontline bowlers with disciplined overs when required.
Rubel Hossain is a strong candidate to lead Bangladesh’s pace attack. His experience gives the team an option to challenge India’s batters with pace and variations.
He could be used early in the innings to look for breakthroughs and later when India attempt to accelerate. His ability to execute yorkers and slower deliveries will be important at the death.
Arafat Sunny could play a key role in the middle overs with his left-arm spin. Against an Indian batting lineup containing several accomplished players, controlling the scoring rate will be just as important as taking wickets.
He will need to vary his pace and length while avoiding predictable deliveries that experienced batters can attack.
Abu Jayed completes the predicted XI as another specialist pace option. He could share the new-ball duties with Rubel and look to exploit any early movement.
Bangladesh will need an accurate start with the ball to prevent India’s top order from taking control. Jayed’s ability to maintain line and length will be crucial if the opposition takes the attack.
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