In a candid assessment following a challenging series, Bangladesh’s young cricket talent, Towhid Hridoy, spoke frankly about the team’s performance in the recently concluded three-match T20I series against India. Despite facing a young Indian squad, Bangladesh, with its relatively more experienced side, found itself comprehensively outplayed at every turn. As the dust settles on their disappointing tour, Hridoy took the opportunity to delve into the specific areas where the team struggled and how these experiences could serve as critical learning points moving forward.
Reflecting on the series, Hridoy acknowledged the glaring inconsistencies in the team’s performance, suggesting that these were not restricted to any single aspect of the game. “We lacked in all departments,” Hridoy admitted when he addressed the media following Bangladesh’s third consecutive defeat. “One day the batting was good but the bowling wasn’t, and when the bowling was good, the batting wasn’t.” His honest appraisal highlighted a lack of alignment between the two crucial facets of the game—batting and bowling—that ultimately contributed to their downfall.
A significant challenge, as observed by Hridoy, was the unfamiliar playing conditions which Bangladesh’s cricketers were not accustomed to. “We don’t usually play on wickets like this. I’m not making excuses, but the more we play on such wickets, the better we’ll get,” he confessed, indicating that the unfamiliarity with Indian pitches may have been a stumbling block. He pointed out the need for the team to gain greater exposure and adaptability to varied pitch conditions, which would help enhance their gameplay in overseas tours.
As the series unfolded, Bangladesh faced a significant setback during their third T20I outing, culminating in a crushing 133-run defeat on a record-breaking night for the Indian team. This match, hosted at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, saw Bangladesh managing to score only 164 for 7 in pursuit of a daunting 298-run target. This sizable loss represented Bangladesh’s largest defeat by a margin of runs, surpassing the previous record of a 104-run defeat to South Africa in 2022. India equally dominated in the earlier encounters, winning the first game comprehensively by seven wickets and sealing the second with an 86-run victory.
Hridoy also highlighted another critical area for improvement: the need for top-order batsmen to perform consistently. “Look, in every team, runs come from the top order.
. When that happens, naturally, you score big. If the top four get big runs, then the total becomes 180,” Hridoy noted. The absence of contributions from the top order proved costly for Bangladesh, emphasizing the importance of setting strong foundations with dominant starts.
Dispelling notions of total doom, Hridoy maintained a positive outlook about the team’s potential. “I wouldn’t say we’re too far behind. We’re not this bad as a side. It’s more about how we can perform on flat wickets,” he elaborated. He emphasized the need for players to develop the skill to correctly read and adapt to different wicket conditions—a skill crucial for improving their game on the international stage. ”
While acknowledging India’s excellence and the home advantage they possess, Hridoy also stressed that Bangladesh needs to up their skill levels across various facets of the game. “It’s not just about the wickets; we also need to improve our skills. I wouldn’t say our standard is too low. We’ve played against big teams. India is a strong team, and this is their home ground. They’re good in all aspects and ahead in terms of skill too,” Hridoy concluded.
The series has undeniably left Bangladesh with much to ponder and work upon. The insights and experiences gained from these matches present an invaluable opportunity for introspection and growth. As they look ahead, there’s a real sense of determination within the camp to take these lessons to heart, refine their skills, and emerge as a more competitive unit in future encounters on the global cricket stage.