World T20: Why Should India Worry About Bangladesh? Asks Virender Sehwag

Virender Sehwag gave Bangladesh no chance to surprise India in their World T20 Super-10 group match in Bangalore on Wednesday. India mauled Bangladesh by eight wickets in the Asia Cup final in Mirpur on March 6. (World T20: Pakistan is Like Old Wine, You Drink it and Hangover Remains for Two Days, Says Virender Sehwag)

Sehwag pooh-pooed Bangladesh while speaking to NDTV on Monday. With a loss and a win, India must beat Bangladesh to stay in contention for a semifinal berth. Bangladesh are winless in two matches.

"India should not worry about Bangladesh. The kind of team we have and the way our players are getting their confidence back after the Pakistan win, we will walk on the ground like lions," Sehwag said in an exclusive chat. (Virender Sehwag Picks India As One of The Four Semi-Finalists for World Twenty20)

Just like his furious square cuts, Sehwag's comments can hurt. After India beat Pakistan for the 10th time in a World Cup, Sehwag compared Pakistan to "old wine" and how drinking it gave one a heady feeling ("hangover.")

In January 2010, Sehwag, while leading India in a Test match at Chittagong, was in a spot of trouble after he openly called Bangladesh an "ordinary" side. Six years down the line, Sehwag's feelings for the world's youngest Test-playing nation hasn't changed much.

"Bangladesh can upset any team on helping wickets - either seaming or spinning tracks. Bangladesh were able to beat Pakistan and Sri Lanka (in Asia Cup) on their wickets where the ball was seaming, but I don't think they can do that in Bangalore," Sehwag said, the disdain in his voice eloquently clear.

Sehwag sounded warning bells for Bangladesh, too. (World T20: Bangladesh Media Hails 'Valiant' Tigers)

"Bangalore is second home of Virat Kohli and favourite ground of Rohit Sharma. These two are waiting to come out and bat against Bangladesh and Shikhar Dhawan will pitch in too," Sehwag said, anticipating big runs from India's batting mainstays.

And against Australia? Should India be worried against the 50-over world champions?

Sehwag hooks the question without a second thought. 

"Momentum is with Indian team. They beat Australia in Australia on flat tracks for the first time. Same confidence should be carried forward. I am not bothered about Australia," said Sehwag, adding Australia "were wasting David Warner" by not making him open the batting.

Sehwag's comments can be fun but in the vicious world of broadcasting where commentators are instructed by producers on the 'dos and don'ts', candid and hard-hitting observations are not always welcome.