The new-look Bangladesh
The term ‘new Bangladesh’ is creating a lot of noise around the country and to an extent, around the cricketing globe as well. It was not long ago that the Tigers were tagged as the whipping boys of world cricket and more often, their existence in world cricket was questioned by the cricket pundits. Be it in Test cricket or one-day cricket, the Bangladesh cricket team had been a subject of troll in the social media.
The Tigers’ such a sorry state was a matter of fun for the others, but it was hard for the local fans to digest such sort of trolls. But, over the last eight months, the picture of Bangladesh cricket is something different. Till now, it has been a matter of huge interest to the international audience, critics and ardent followers of the game.
Two days back, at Chittagong, they clinched a stunning one-day international series win against one of the best teams of the format and the manner they notched up the victory was ruthless and dominating one.
In the past, the contest between Bangladesh and South Africa hardly generated interest among the cricket followers and it was always dubbed as a jolly-bash for the Proteas and misery for the Tigers. Losing the match in the most disgraceful manner was a well-known story and even this year, the results in Twenty20 series and first ODI hinted the same as well.
Change in fortunes
In the second and third ODI, the Tigers essayed one of the most epic comebacks ever in the history of Bangladesh cricket. Only once they bounced back to win the ODI series and that was against Zimbabwe way back in 2005 and against the top teams, Bangladesh were always found wanting whenever they lost the first match of the series. Their temperament against the teams had always been questioned and for which after the back-to-back defeats in Twenty20 matches and first ODI, very few were optimistic about the turnaround of the Tigers.
But Bangladesh didn’t lose their way, despite losing matches against South Africa earlier. They clawed back with a roar and gifted their fans one of the finest Eid gifts ever. Bangladesh have won four back-to-back ODI series at home and it’s not a matter of joke at all. This is a new Bangladesh.
So what’s all about this concept of new Bangladesh? Certainly, it has not come about as an isolated phenomenon. Perhaps, the injection of new talents have given Bangladesh a new dimension and made everyone believe that the present Bangladesh team plays with a new confidence and vigor.
Exciting talents coming through
The inclusion of exciting talents like Soumya Sarkar, Litton Das and Mustafizur Rahman has been vital to this concept of new Bangladesh. Soumya’s handling of the short-pitch stuff with his trademark periscope shot, Litton’s courage to play the hook shot and Mustafiz’s boldness to test the very best with his nagging length and devastating cutters has been the symbol of a confident and fearless Bangladesh team.
These young talents have played a major role in transforming Bangladesh into a complete package. The confidence of these exciting talents has been contagious in the team and it has helped the senior members of the team to give their best shot as well.
But this is just one part of the story. Without a healthy environment, it would never have been possible for these talents to flourish. The Bangladesh Cricket Board, head coach Hathurusingha, bowling coach Heath Streak, captain Mashrafe Mortaza and other senior members of the team have been equally responsible for creating the perfect environment for these talents to express themselves.
Yes, it’s a new Bangladesh which has learned to aim higher and are hungry for success. In the limited-overs format, they are a fearsome contender at present, but this new Bangladesh must not lose its way in the long run.