Talk about finding silver linings! Amidst the heartbreak inflicted by South Africa as they stole the run chase at the end against India the other day, the most ardent Indian fan wouldn’t be too disappointed. 2011 is a looming influence, and 11 years down the road, the Proteas have once again given us a much-needed wake up call. We know what happened in 2011. The world knows what happened in 2011.

Much like 2011, before India lost to South Africa, they had played out a thriller against England, and a pretty clinical swatting aside of the Netherlands. Cut to 2022, and they have won a thriller against Pakistan, have brushed the Dutch aside, and now are in some sort of a must-win territory. More importantly, the team combination of playing an extra batsman in place of an all-rounder, and the strategy of leaving spin for the death while bowling, have been important not-to-do lessons for Rohit and Co.

Back then, India had four games ahead of them. Right now, India have four games ahead of them. Back then, this was when Suresh Raina came into the XI and suddenly injected some much-needed impetus to the middle-order. Now, with Dinesh Karthik injured and quite likely to sit out, Rishabh Pant could just be that tonic.

Bangladesh, too, are in similar waters. They have won two narrowly, and lost one massively. Despite a seriously good head-to-head record, India better not take them lightly.

What: A MUST WIN: India versus Bangladesh, Group B, Super 12s

When: Wednesday, November 2, 2022

Where: Under the most beautiful sunset, at the Adelaide Oval

What to expect: A lot of emotion among the fans, which is what India-Bangladesh contests are all about. Also, a proper box-office contest. Of course, all of it if rain doesn’t wash this one off as well.

What you need to do: You could do your anti-rain dance. And then maybe dust off the recent complacency and go back to those manic pray-cum-celebration days. Remember, a loss here and India could well be knocked out. No, let’s not go there. Let’s play our 12^th man roles to perfection.