Bangladesh faced harrowing weeks before their arrival in India. Their latest victory in India versus Bangladesh T20 Series is a glimmer of hope that is pushing the team to rise as winners.
Just before their tour of India, the team organised a strike, but it was called off, when the board accepted most of their demands. Then their top performing all-rounder, Shakib Al Hasan was banned for two years for breaking the International Cricket Council’s Anti-Corruption code.
Mushfiqur Rahim, the Bangladeshi batsman recounted to reporters after the India-Bangladesh T20 match. As reported in Times of India, he said, “The last two to three weeks has been the toughest situation that I have faced in my 15-year cricketing career.”
He even told the media in Bangladesh that the team should play above par to boost their confidence. “Before leaving Bangladesh, I told the media there that the only way we can set things right would be if we can win a couple of matches in India, or play well enough to bring back smiles and calmness to the team and the nations.”
“That’s what we have done and hopefully we can continue this form.” Bangladesh defeated India by seven wickets in the three-match series. However, it is too earlier to celebrate, he said, “We still have two more matches to go, we haven’t won the series yet. We’ll try to win at least one more and then you’d see a bigger celebration.”
He also has a plan to make the impossible, possible. “There are areas where we can do better, like bowling the last two overs. If we can address those areas, nothing is impossible.”
He also praised the coach of the Bangladeshi team, Russell Domingo, “The situation we faced in the last three weeks, to recover from that, …giving the youngsters the freedom and confidence that whether you bleed runs or get out for a duck, you are still an important member of this team.”
“We’re trying to create a healthy culture. It took me 15 years to reach where I am now but with their potentials, these young players can be there in 8-10 years. They are very talented and grabbing their opportunities.”
Coming Thursday, India and Bangladesh are set to play at Saurashtra Cricket Association, Jamnagar in Gujarat. What do you think are the odds of Bangladesh beating India again?