Dubai, Feb. 20 -- The poor turnout at the start of the Pakistan-New Zealand Champions Trophy opener in Karachi on Wednesday had former England skipper Michael Vaughan wondering whether the locals were told there was a game on. But that won't be a problem when India take on Bangladesh in their opener 1,187 km away in Dubai.

Most of the stands will be blue, but Bangladesh, like always, will be backed by a passionate support base. And even though many consider it a no-contest, Bangladesh have run India close in recent times and that should be reason enough for a Jasprit Bumrah-less team to not get complacent.

The Champions Trophy format is compact, a virtual knockout. And India are playing in Dubai where four years ago. Where they began with...