Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has expressed strong confidence in his young team’s capability to face off against the Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian squad in the highly anticipated three-match T20I series, which is set to commence on Sunday. Shanto highlighted the fact that his team has successfully put behind the disappointing results of the recent Test series against India, where they suffered a comprehensive 2-0 defeat. Instead, the focus now lies firmly on adopting a bold, aggressive style of cricket in the T20 format, which has become increasingly popular and dynamic in recent years.
During a press conference held on Friday at the newly inaugurated Shrimant Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium, Shanto articulated his ambitions for the upcoming series, stating, "We are looking to win this series, to be very honest. We want to play aggressive cricket." He reflected on the lessons learned from past competitions, notably recalling the narrow miss during the last World Cup, where the team came close to reaching the semi-finals but ultimately fell short. This time around, he expressed optimism that the current squad will rise to the occasion, showcasing their skills and determination throughout the series.
The recent Test series against India was a challenging experience for the Bangladesh team, concluding in just six sessions, during which India dominated both matches. However, Shanto emphasized that the focus has now shifted entirely to T20 cricket, where the dynamics are significantly different compared to the longer format. "We all know we didn't play our best cricket in the Tests, but we’re not dwelling on that. T20 is a different ball game. Whoever plays well on the day wins. It’s not about past performances," he stated, underscoring his belief in the unpredictable nature of T20 matches, which often hinges on individual brilliance and teamwork.
Both Bangladesh and India are expected to field youthful lineups for the series, with key senior players either rested or unavailable due to various reasons. Suryakumar Yadav will lead a refreshed Indian squad, while Shanto’s T20 team will include only five players who were part of the Test squad. This transition not only provides a chance for emerging talents to showcase their abilities on an international platform but also reflects a strategic shift in how both teams are preparing for the future.
Shanto is optimistic that the infusion of younger players into the squad could work to Bangladesh's advantage, especially in the T20 format, known for its unpredictability. "In T20Is, you never know. It's not about big names or experienced players. The team that performs better on that day in batting, bowling, and fielding will win. We need to ensure we’re that team," he remarked, highlighting the importance of teamwork, adaptability, and execution in securing victory.
The series opener at the Shrimant Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium not only marks the debut of this venue as an international cricket ground but also adds an element of uncertainty, as neither team has extensive knowledge about the pitch conditions. Acknowledging this challenge, Shanto noted that Bangladesh has been preparing diligently during practice sessions to better understand how the pitch behaves and how to adapt quickly. "We don't have much idea about the wicket, but we’ve had practice sessions to try and understand how it behaves. It's important for us to adjust quickly, as international teams must do," he explained, emphasizing the need for flexibility and quick learning in high-stakes matches.
Despite the setbacks experienced during the Test series, Shanto remains hopeful and upbeat about his side's ability to bounce back strongly in the T20 format. He stressed the importance of focusing on the present moment, reinforcing a mindset geared towards positivity and confidence. "It’s an important series for us. T20 cricket is all about what happens on the day, and we’re confident we can play well," he concluded, setting a determined and optimistic tone for the challenges that lie ahead against the formidable Indian team. As both teams gear up for what promises to be an exciting series, fans from both nations are eagerly anticipating the action that will unfold on the field.
