Mahi way: The strongest XI plays

Virat Kohli had his way in the drab one-off Test against Bangladesh. It's now time for the Mahi way.

Among other things that the two captains differ on, there is one notable aspect. MS Dhoni doesn't like change: be it with the Indian team or with the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL.

Cast your mind back to the World Cup. The Indian skipper played with the same XI that took the field against Pakistan in the first game in all the eight matches except the one against the UAE, where Bhuvneshwar Kumar played in place of Mohammed Shami, who was rested. Even in a tournament like the IPL where franchises chop and change their combinations game after game, Dhoni refused to tinker much with his yellow brigade.

Thus, as Dhoni and his one-day crew arrived in Bangladesh on Monday for the three-match ODI series starting on Thursday, most in that group would've landed wondering if they would get a game to play. Ambati Rayudu, Stuart Binny, Axar Patel and Dhawal Kulkarni did precious little other than warm the benches throughout the World Cup, and would certainly be hoping to do more in the three games against Bangladesh.

And this might be the perfect opportunity for the team management to test the bench strength and boost their confidence after a forgettable tri-series in Australia prior to the World Cup in January, where Dhoni did experiment but without results. Mind you, there are sterner tests awaiting the Men in Blue in the shorter formats over the next one year: South Africa at home in September, Australia away in January 2016, Asia Cup in February followed by the World T20. A solid, confident squad of 15 players with enough match practice behind them would be a boon.

"Look, I always believe that the best XI should play," former India wicketkeeper and chairman of selectors Kiran More said. "Having said that, there is nothing wrong in experimenting, especially in the fast bowling department and against a team like Bangladesh. It's up to the captain and the coach how they see it, and if they are willing to take the chance."

In India's previous tour to Bangladesh in 2013-14, the selectors chose to rest quite a few senior players. Suresh Raina led a bunch of inexperienced boys, and won the series 2-0. This time, though, the five wise men have sent a full-strength squad, almost a replicate of the one that made the semifinal of the World Cup.

"That's the thing, we are carrying senior players on this tour, and it is a very competitive world," More said. "No player would like to lose his place in the side, for it can get very difficult to come back. Also, as a captain, there is always the pressure of winning matches, and that is where it gets difficult to make that decision. Assuming we lose a game, question marks will start arising."

However, Rayudu, Binny, Patel and Kulkarni will be itching to give it their all and make a mark if given a chance, for they haven't stepped on the field for India in almost five months. It can be a long, frustrating wait.

"It is frustrating, no doubt. But this is what professional cricket is all about. There is always that 10 per cent luck factor. You have to wait for your chances, and once you get them, you have to make sure you make the most of it," More said.

The four benchwarmers will be hoping for just that. Over to Mahi.

DID YOU KNOW?
Throughout the eight matches that India played in the World Cup, MS Dhoni made just one change: Bhuvneshwar Kumar came in place of a rested Mohammed Shami against the UAE

INDIA IN BANGLADESH (ODIs)
2004-2005: India won three-match series 2-1
2006-2007: India won three-match series 2-0
2013-2014: India won three-match series 2-0