In the aftermath of Bangladesh’s defeat in the Kanpur Test, the team’s head coach Chandika Hathurusingha expressed regret over the loss and commended India’s innovative strategy that paved the way for their victory. The match against India, one of the powerhouses of international cricket, ended in just 173.2 overs, marking it as the fourth-shortest Test match in the history of the game. Bangladesh’s struggle to adapt and plan accordingly resulted in a seven-wicket defeat, leaving the coaching staff and players with much to ponder.
On the fifth day of the Test, Bangladesh faced an insurmountable challenge to bat through the day to save the match. Unfortunately, their resistance crumbled swiftly, with the batting lineup collapsing in just one session. During a brief 21-minute spell, the team lost critical wickets, including influential players such as captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shadman Islam, Shakib Al Hasan, and Litton Das. This sudden collapse left the team reeling and exposed the vulnerabilities in their batting order.
Reflecting on these events, Hathurusingha conveyed his disappointment with the team’s performance while acknowledging the brilliance of India’s approach to the game. “The defeat is really hurting us in terms of our performance,” Hathurusingha noted. “The strategy implemented by India, led by Rohit Sharma, was unprecedented and truly commendable. We were caught off guard and couldn’t adjust quickly enough to counteract their methods.”
The head coach highlighted the struggles Bangladesh faced with their batting throughout the series, citing the high skill level of the Indian team as a significant factor. “This series has exposed areas where we need considerable improvement,” Hathurusingha admitted. “Playing against a team like India, particularly in their home conditions, is among the toughest challenges in cricket. We are taking many lessons from this experience.”
Despite experiencing a historic series win in Pakistan prior to their arrival in India, Bangladesh was acutely aware of the steep challenges that awaited them.
. Hathurusingha was clear about not letting this defeat impact the team’s morale excessively. “After our victory in Pakistan, we were conscious not to become overconfident, understanding that the conditions in India are markedly different and incredibly challenging,” he explained.
Outplayed throughout the series, Hathurusingha stressed the importance of recognizing the gap in skill levels while urging his team to find ways to elevate their performance. “There’s no sense in putting undue pressure on individual players if we aren’t providing them with the support and strategies they need to succeed,” said the coach. “Our disappointment is tempered by the knowledge that we can improve with focused effort.”
Further defending on-field decisions, Hathurusingha supported the captain’s choice to play a reverse sweep against Ravindra Jadeja, which resulted in being bowled out. He explained, “On a turning wicket, if a player’s defensive technique is compromised, alternative strategies such as the reverse sweep are viable if practiced adequately.”
The head coach emphasized that the team’s game plan was not centered solely around survival but adapting play to suit each player’s strengths. “If a batter feels his best defense or way to rotate strike involves using a sweep shot, then that’s his legitimate choice,” Hathurusingha reasoned. He did, however, acknowledge that poor execution let them down in this instance, contrasting this with Mominul Haque’s effective sweeping the day before.
Acknowledging the squad’s disappointment regarding on-field decision-making, Hathurusingha noted the team’s susceptibility following bowling changes, highlighting the importance of acclimating to new bowlers. Looking to the future, Hathurusingha shared uncertainty regarding Shakib Al Hasan’s Test career, acknowledging the star all-rounder’s contemplation of retirement. “Shakib has conveyed his commitment to the upcoming South Africa series. However, succession planning needs to be a priority at this juncture in his career,” Hathurusingha remarked, underscoring Shakib’s irreplaceable contributions to the team.
In conclusion, Bangladesh’s defeat in the truncated Kanpur Test serves as a stark reminder of the ever-evolving nature of international cricket. For Hathurusingha and his team, this experience is both a moment of reflection and a catalyst for growth, as they aim to improve and mount stronger challenges in future contests.