In a press conference following Bangladesh’s 87-run loss to the Netherlands at the iconic Eden Gardens, Shakib Al Hasan, the captain of the Bangla Tigers, expressed his deep frustration and hinted at the possibility of this being their most challenging World Cup campaign.
Admitting the Severity of the Situation
When asked about his team’s performance in this year’s World Cup, Shakib didn’t mince his words. He conceded, “You can say that (this is Bangladesh’s worst-ever World Cup campaign) and I wouldn’t say otherwise.” This stark acknowledgement of their struggles highlights the gravity of the situation.
The Bangladesh captain also noted that his team was relatively underprepared for the tournament. He added, “We were pretty underprepared coming into this tournament, but we can’t use that as an excuse.” Shakib’s remarks emphasize the need to take responsibility despite the team’s challenges.
Team Discord and Its Consequences
One of the notable factors affecting Bangladesh’s campaign was a publicized feud between Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal, two prominent players who were once close friends. Shakib, when asked if this had an impact on the team’s morale, conceded, “It might have affected the team. It’s not unusual. You don’t know what an individual has in his mind, but I am not disagreeing with the fact that (the controversy) might have affected us.”
Addressing the team’s woes, Shakib focused on their batting performance. “We have been poor with the bat all tournament, and this is as bad as it gets,” he admitted. Despite these challenges, Shakib remained hopeful, stating, “There is more cricket to come, and we have to pick ourselves up. I know it’s hard, but we have to try to finish the tournament on a high.” He acknowledged the mental struggle the players are facing.
Mixed Performance in Bowling and Fielding
While Shakib praised the bowlers, he expressed concerns about the team’s fielding. He noted, “I thought we bowled really well, but we were sloppy in the field. We should have restricted them to 160-170 from the position we were in.” This highlights areas where the team needs improvement.
Shakib Al Hasan’s candid remarks reflect the challenges Bangladesh has faced in the ICC World Cup 2023. While they continue to strive for redemption, their captain’s honest assessment of their struggles provides valuable insight into their journey in the tournament.
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