Bangladesh’s head coach Chandika Hathurusingha speaks during a press conference at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on September 17, 2024.
| Photo Credit: AFP

Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusingha remarked that the current squad is the most well-rounded and expressed confidence that his side can trouble the host.

“I think this is probably the most well-rounded team Bangladesh has produced in my previous (stint) and this time. Our balance in this series is good, and that gives us a lot more confidence that we can be competitive in this series,” said Hathurusingha.

“We have got good fast bowlers and an experienced spin attack. We have batting depth for two reasons: two of our spinners are genuine batters who have Test hundreds, and then two of our wicket-keepers are also our main batters,” the Sri Lankan coach added.

Big positive

Commenting on the positives from the recent 2-0 win in Pakistan, the coach highlighted the team’s ability to fight back from adversity more than the outcome as the big positive.

“It certainly gives us a lot of confidence coming into this series. Not because of the outcome of that series but because of the way we played and handled certain situations. We were behind the game in both Tests but how we came back and the people who contributed at different times gives us a lot of belief for this series,” he explained.

When asked if the weight of expectations can put pressure on his side, the former Sri Lanka cricketer said it was a good position to be in while taking on one of the toughest challenges in world cricket.

Pressure is a privilege

“Pressure is a privilege. I mean, it gives us a lot more belief and something to look forward to as well. But then we understand where we stand and our strengths and limitations.”

“We are encouraged by playing the best team in the world. Coming to India and playing against India that’s the best challenge you get nowadays in cricket. So playing against the best always gives you the perception of where you stand,” remarked Hathurusingha.

Strikeforce: Bangladesh and Mustafizur would hope to rattle India’s top-order with some quick wickets.
| Photo Credit: DEEPAK KR

 Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusingha was wary of the fresh pitch at the MCA Stadium for the match against India leaning towards another feast for the batters. His team’s batters have had two poor outings in succession, failing to cross the 250-run mark against England and the Kiwis.

“This is the best batting wicket we have come across so far. Even the practice wickets were similar, really good. We haven’t put up a complete batting performance or, for that matter, a complete performance with bat and ball. But we know that we can beat big teams if we play to our potential,” he said.

The Tigers have enjoyed a 3-1 record over India in ODIs since December 2022, including a win in the recent Asia Cup, but Hathurusingha downplayed any advantages on the high-pressure stage.

“We have had success recently against India, but it’s a completely different game at the World Cup. If they slip-up and we play to our potential, I think we will have a good match,” he added.

Bangladesh’s opening pair has also come cropper, with seven pairs being used since January 2023. No pair has managed a 100-plus stand for the first wicket since Litton Das and Tamim Iqbal in May. When asked if the team was missing the services of the veteran Tamim, the head coach said: “He was not ready at the time of selection. His record as a player is good. But at the same time, I don’t know if we are missing him or not, because we have players here whom we trust to do the job for us.”

While Hathurusingha admitted that the Tigers could rearrange its bowling lineup on a flat surface, he also conceded that the host has looked menacing, having hit its straps early with three wins. “They have good strike bowlers. (Jasprit) Bumrah is back to his best. They have experienced spinners in the middle-overs and their batting, especially the top-order, is firing. It’s scary the way they are playing without fear and it looks like they are enjoying their cricket at the moment,” he remarked.