Former India opener Virender Sehwag scoffed at the thought that Bangladesh may have threatened the Indian team while defending the poor total of 228 in Dubai in their Champions Trophy opening on Thursday.

At 144/4, with 85 runs to score in 20 overs, there may have been some concern among India's ranks, even if their run chase was accomplished with relative ease against Bangladesh. Shubman Gill scored 101*, while Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul scored 41 runs each as India won by six wickets.

“I don’t think there would have been (any tension) among the fans. It’s Bangladesh… you guys have made me praise them so much as if they are an incredible team.

(Scared) of Bangladesh? When I was playing, I never had any fear, so what would I have been scared of today in this studio,” he replied at a question of feeling tense during the chase.

“It’s Bangladesh, not Australia or Pakistan, that they would be very unpredictable. I don’t think there would have been even 1% of fear in the hearts of any fan during that match,” Sehwag said on Cricbuzz.

India eventually won comfortably with 21 balls to spare, thanks to a key combination between KL Rahul and Shubman Gill. Sehwag believes the mark could have been reached much faster if a couple of wickets had not fallen at the wrong time.

“It was a very easy game. Got there with almost four overs to spare. Gill was composed, playing slowly. Had Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli or Shreyas Iyer stayed on the crease for longer, I could see this match getting over in 35 overs also,” he said.

Earlier, Bangladesh had batted first after winning the toss and, thanks to Towhid Hridoy’s century and Jaker Ali’s 68, posted 228 runs. For India, Mohammad Shami picked a fifer, while Harshit Rana took three wickets.

India will next face Pakistan on February 23 in Dubai and then will clash with New Zealand on March 2 at the same venue.