Debutant Gautam Gambhir will open the Indian innings along with Virender Sehwag in the inaugural match of the TVS Tri-Nation cricket tournament against hosts Bangladesh at the Bangabandhu stadium in Dhaka on Friday.

Speaking to media persons after a practice session at the stadium, India captain Sourav Ganguly said he would bat at No. 3.

Though he said the final eleven would be decided before the start of the match, he informed that medium pacer Aavishkar Salvi would play in the match.

"We will decide on the final eleven tomorrow," he said.

Commenting on the opening tie, Ganguly said, "It is a very important match. We have a young side and it is very important that we start well. We are taking this match seriously though Bangladesh could not do well in the last World Cup.

"Our mission here is to win the Cup and for that we are mentally and physically prepared. All the players are in good shape and raring to go for the tournament."

Asked whether India would be taking this tournament lightly, since five of the seniors -- including Sachin Tendulkar -- skipped the meet, Ganguly said, "It's just a coincidence that a few senior players could not make it to the squad. They could not come either for injuries or some personal matters.

"Sachin cannot be replaced."

Asked about his opponents, Ganguly said, "Both South Africa and Bangladesh have appointed new captains and have new players."

About his own side, he said, "Yes, there are some newcomers to the Indian team, but it's a hungry side. All of us have played a lot of cricket during the last few months. It's going to be a very good opportunity for the youngsters to show their mettle. I'm sure they would be able to live up to expectations. At the end we will find some two or three new players."

Asked to comment on the wicket, Ganguly expressed satisfaction, saying: "It's a good wicket with lots of runs."

Regarding his back problem, the Bengal southpaw said, "It was a little stiff earlier. It's better now and I will play tomorrow."

Bangladesh captain Khaled Mahmud, who is a medium pacer himself, said, "There is no denying the fact that India is a super power in the world of cricket and much more stronger than us in spite of the absence of five of their seniors. We are definitely underdogs. But we would give our best to put up a good fight."

India coach Ashok Malhotra said: "It's going to be a fine opportunity for the youngsters, especially those who are making their debut in the senior Indian side here. I hope they would be able to live up to the expectation.

"The debutants have a lot of talent and it's time to showcase it," he added.

Malhotra had a special word for Salvi, who he thinks is a complete pacer with "a fine run-up, having all the skills".

Salvi had taken 29 wickets from seven matches in the Caribbean and Gambhir had given a fine account of himself in the same series as an opener.

UNI

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