In the aftermath of a discouraging three-match T20I series against India, Bangladesh batsman Towhid Hridoy has candidly reflected on his team’s deficiencies and has identified a clear path for improvement. The seasoned Bangladesh side, faced with a young but determined Indian squad, found themselves comprehensively outperformed in crucial aspects of the game. Despite possessing more collective experience, the Bangladesh team struggled to hold their ground as the Indian team played like seasoned professionals, prevailing convincingly to claim a 3-0 series victory.
Speaking to reporters following Bangladesh’s third consecutive defeat, Hridoy did not shy away from admitting the team’s shortcomings. “We lacked in all departments. One day the batting was good, but the bowling wasn’t, and when the bowling was good, the batting wasn’t,” Hridoy explained. His statement emphasizes the inconsistency plaguing the team across the series as they failed to synchronize their efforts in batting and bowling effectively.
One major aspect of Bangladesh’s struggle that Hridoy pointed out was the unfamiliarity with the type of pitches they encountered during the series. “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 asserted. The series brought to light the challenges posed by different playing conditions, and Hridoy advocated for the team to gain more exposure to such wickets. It’s a call for a strategic shift in the approach toward future contests, focusing on adaptability and exposure to varied playing conditions.
The final T20I match was particularly demoralizing for Bangladesh as they fell to a massive 133-run defeat at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. Bangladesh managed to score 164 for 7, chasing a daunting target of 298 set by India. This defeat marked Bangladesh’s largest loss by runs, surpassing their previous record of a 104-run loss to South Africa in 2022.
Hridoy highlighted the significant role of the top-order batsmen in achieving high scores, explaining, “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.
.” This pinpoint focus on the top order’s contribution underscores the pressure on the frontline batsmen to establish a solid foundation for the rest of the team.
Despite the setbacks, Hridoy remains optimistic about Bangladesh’s cricket future. He refuted the notion that the team is significantly lagging behind. “I wouldn’t say we’re too far behind. We’re not this bad as a side,” he remarked, evidencing faith in his team’s potential. However, he conceded the necessity to elevate their performance on flat wickets—a condition that the players are not typically accustomed to. He suggested that regular exposure to such conditions would lead to gradual improvement.
Aside from the technical aspects related to playing conditions, Hridoy acknowledged that Bangladesh also needs to enhance its skillset to compete at the highest level. “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,” he said, underlining a broader agenda for development.
He also lauded the Indian team, acknowledging their formidable presence on the field, stating, “India is a strong team, and this is their home ground. They’re good in all aspects and ahead in terms of skill too.” This recognition indicates a strategic direction for Bangladesh to set benchmarks by observing successful teams and instilling more robust planning and execution strategies.
The loss to India signifies a pivotal moment for Bangladesh cricket, offering vital lessons and insights. Hridoy’s appeal for more exposure on challenging wickets demonstrates a commitment to deepening their cricketing acumen, aiming not only to compete but to thrive against top-tier international teams. With concrete plans and consistent efforts, Bangladesh hopes to amend its performance and emerge stronger on the global cricket stage.