India’s legendary skipper, MS Dhoni marked his arrival in international cricket on 23rd December 2004 in the first ODI of the three-match series against Bangladesh. In his first ODI, MS Dhoni was run-out on the very first ball he faced in international cricket.
Dhoni had a disastrous start to his international cricket career. Riding on Rahul Dravid’s 53 off 80 and Mohammad Kaif’s 80 off 111, team India, posted 245 runs in that game. In reply, Bangladesh were bundled out for 234 runs and, thus, lost the game by 11 runs.
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India had a powerful batting line-up at that time, boasting of the likes of Sourav Ganguly, Yuvraj Singh, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, etc. In this article, let’s take a look at India’s complete playing XI in the first ODI against Bangladesh in 2004 and what they are doing now:
Openers: Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar
Legendary Indian skipper, Sourav Ganguly served as the BCCI president for a tenure of three years from 2019 to 2022. After his stint as the BCCI president came to an end, Ganguly returned to IPL franchise Delhi Capitals as it new Director of Cricket ahead of the IPL 2023. He is currently working in the same capacity for the Delhi Capitals and was also available at the IPL 2024 auction alongside other members of the franchise.
Sachin Tendulkar, on the other hand, has devoted most of his time in philanthropy work and contributing to other sports as well. On the professional front, he plies his trade as the mentor of Mumbai Indians team.
Middle-order: Yuvraj Singh, Rahul Dravid, M Kaif, S Sriram, and MS Dhoni
Indian legendary batsman, Rahul Dravid is currently serving as the head coach of the Indian national team. With him at the helm of affairs, India reached the final of the 2023 World Cup. MS Dhoni, on the other hand, is likely to play his last IPL season with Chennai Super Kings in the upcoming IPL 2024 edition. He is currently preparing for the tournament.
Yuvraj Singh is often seen enjoying Golf as that has, perhaps, become his favourite sport since retirement from cricket. M Kaif still looks one of the fittest and he showed that in Legends League Cricket 2023. Besides, he makes his presence felt in commentary panel alongside other cricket veterans. S Sriram played 8 ODIs for India and scored 81 runs at an average of 13.50. He is currently serving as the technical consultant of the Bangladesh Cricket Team.
Bowlers: Ajit Agarkar, Irfan Pathan, Joginder Sharma, and Harbhajan Singh
Indian fast bowler, Ajit Agarkar was appointed as the chairman of India’s selection committee on 5th July 2023. He currently leads the Indian Cricket Team’s selection committee. His ally, Irfan Pathan has become an highly acclaimed commentator. He was, recently, seen commentating in India’s series against South Africa. The third fast bowler present in that playing eleven was Joginder Sharma, who is, currently, serving as a police officer in Haryana.
Harbhajan Singh was the sole spinner present in that line-up. Much like, Irfan Pathan, he too have successfully donned the role of a commentator and cricket expert.
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