“We can defeat any team”: Bangladesh skipper’s bold statement ahead of India Tests

Najmul Hossain Shanto whose side just came back home after defeating Pakistan in the 2-match Test series, believes that if his side continues to play like this, then they can go on to defeat any team

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto believes that his side’s recent fantastic performances against Pakistan can be considered a reference point as the Tigers aim to do well in their upcoming Test series against India and South Africa.

Bangladesh returned home on Thursday, September 5 after clean-sweeping the 2-match Test series against Pakistan which was also their first-ever Test triumph against the Men in Green. They will begin their preparation for the two-match Test series against India from September 8.

“Every cricketer will gain confidence from such a series win. The team’s morale will be boosted. The series against India will definitely be challenging, and we need to come up with a new plan. If we give our best performance, we can achieve good results,” Najmul told reporters at the airport.

“Every match is approached with the belief that we play to win and we needed a solid example and we’ve provided that this time (with the clean sweep of Pakistan). We know if we continue to play and give our best in the game, we can defeat any team. Instead of focusing too much on the results, we should concentrate on our process. I believe we can perform well in the next two series (against India and South Africa),” Najmul added.

The skipper also credited Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusingha for providing clear plans to the players, which helped them to execute it well on the field. 

 “Very good, I think the players are really clear with the coach and he was really supportive and gave proper plans to every player and the atmosphere in the dressing room was really wonderful,” Najmul said.

“Those who performed and didn’t perform, all were supporting and backing one another. All the coaches were with the players both at good and bad times. According to me the coach played a great role in the dressing room in this series,” Najmul added.

The victorious team will be given a reception by Chief Advisor of Bangladesh’s interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus. However, veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan will not be present there as he had flown straight to England from Pakistan in order to play County Cricket.

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