After a landmark success in Pakistan, Bangladesh
oozed with confidence to thrive in India where they will visit later this
month for two Tests and three T20 Internationals.
Batter Jaker Ali Anik, a vital cog in Bangladesh’s T20 set up, believes that
India now won’t take them lightly in any format of cricket after the Test
team’s performance in Pakistan.
“We have now started our training session for the white ball series of the
tour of India,” Jaker Ali said in Mirpur today as the T20 regulars of
Bangladesh began practice session officially.
“We got a watershed moment in our history by winning a series against
Pakistan . This win is a great inspiration for all of us. Everyone played
well. India will not take us lightly this time. Even Former Indian cricketers
are also urging their national team to give importance to the Bangladesh
series.”
The likes of Mahmudullah Riyad, Afif Hossain, Soumya Sarkar, Shamim Patwari
and some others were present this session along with Jaker Ali under the
supervis
ion of local coach Sohail Islam. The players who were with Test team
will start training from September 8.
Despite the change in format, the confidence, stemming from the success in
Pakistan will also help them, Jaker said.
” When teams perform well against bigger opponents, a different kind of
confidence builds. So format doesn’t matter. We will go to India to win. Our
target is to achieve the best results in the series.”
Last time when Bangladesh toured in India in 2019, they won a T20 game but
eventually lost the three-match series by 2-1. They, however, lost all of two
Tests and both of the Tests ended inside three days.
Cricketers have credited local coaches for their success in Pakistan.
“Sohail sir, Babul (Mizanur Rahman) sir has seen us since childhood. They
have a good idea about each cricketer. The impact is also high. I think the
way they take care of us, it’s encouraging for us. So I think their role is
also much greater.”
Zaker has also praised the leadership skill of Najmul Hossai
n Shanto, saying
“Shanto is a great captain and you have already got the proof of that. He
took several risks in the series. When you take risks as a captain, the
results may or may not come in your favor but most of the time, it brings
positive vibe. However, a captain should have the courage to take risks and
that’s what Shanto possesses.”
Bangladesh will leave the country for India on September 15 with the first
Test in Chennai beginning from September 19.
Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha