"Just Bangladesh after all, don't know why they hype them" - Virender Sehwag after IND vs BAN T20 World Cup Super 8 matchÂ
Virender Sehwag has suggested that Bangladesh shouldn't be hyped as a team, given their failure to perform against top sides. The former cricketer's remarks came after India's comprehensive 50-run win over Bangladesh in the Super 8 match of the 2024 T20 World Cup at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua on Saturday, June 22.
Bangladesh won the toss and chose to field first. The Men in Blue registered 196/5 in 20 overs, courtesy of Hardik Pandya's unbeaten 50 off 27 deliveries. Sehwag suggested that the match would have finished earlier with the same result had Bangladesh batted first against India.
During a discussion on Cricbuzz, the cricketer-turned-commentator remarked:
"They spoiled our day. It has been too long. If they would have batted first, they would have registered a similar total. India would have chased quickly and we would have gone home earlier. It's just Bangladesh after all, don't know why they hype them."
Bangladesh's veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan failed to make a significant impact with the bat in the run chase, falling after scoring just 11 runs off seven balls.
Sehwag, who had earlier urged Shakib to consider retiring from T20Is, slammed the veteran player for throwing his wicket away. The former Indian opener said:
"Today was the day for Shakib Al Hasan. He was playing against a big team. He had Shanto with him at the crease, so he should have supported him. He should have looked to stay there till the 15th or 16th over. He disappointed a lot because he has so much experience and he did not take advantage of it."
Bangladesh went down without a fight against India as their batters struggled to get going. They ultimately finished at 146/8 after 20 overs, with skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto being the top performer with a 40-run knock. Kuldeep Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah shone with the ball, picking up three and two wickets, respectively.
"We missed this Hardik Pandya, the one who hits a 27-ball 50" - Virender Sehwag
In the video, Virender Sehwag seemed mighty impressed by Hardik Pandya's batting exploits. He said the all-rounder should continue to play with an attacking mindset instead of looking to up the ante after being set.
Speaking about Pandya's entertaining knock, Sehwag said:
"He gives pure entertainment. That is a special thing about him. There's no need for him to bat in a hurry. He has clean hits. It is fun to watch him bat when on song. We missed this Hardik Pandya, the one who hits a 27-ball 50, not the one who scores a run-a-ball 30 and then looks to accelerate."
It is worth mentioning that Pandya also provided India with a wonderful start with the ball, drawing first blood by getting rid of Litton Das in the fifth over. He was adjudged the Player of the Match for his all-round performance.