A time for change?
It's been four days since Bangladesh's dreadful World Twenty20 campaign officially came to an end and apart from the noise created from Shakib Al Hasan's controversial interview, the post- tournament period has so far been a quiet one for the Tigers, with no major changes announced by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) as yet.
For whatever reason, traditionally a global tournament has been a vehicle for change in Bangladesh's cricket. The 2003 50-over debacle, where Bangladesh lost to both Canada and Kenya, was followed by the resignation of both captain and coach -- Khaled Masud and Mohsin Kamal. Right before the mega event in 2007, Masud was axed from the team and the young trio of Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan began their journey.
The poor show in the T20 World Cup in 2009 saw Mohammad Ashraful sacked as captain amid a public outrage, while coach Jamie Siddons departed after the 2011 World Cup after four years at the helm. There was also a change in the selection committee with Akram Khan landing the chief selector's role. And finally, Richard Pybus leaving weeks after Bangladesh's return from Sri Lanka after the 2012 World Twenty20 was the last of the changes after a world cup.
With Bangladesh having put up an extremely below-par performance in their own den, in a world cup that very well could have been their stepping stone to the next level it will not be a surprise if the board decides to ring the changes yet again.
In fact the BCB president, during the World Twenty20, himself had told the media that large-scale changes would be made once the showpiece event ends.
Changes or not, the Tigers' display this year -- even before the World Twenty20 -- have offered up plenty of areas that need to be focused upon and which need proper solutions keeping in mind the 50-over World Cup in 2015.
The first issue that they need to resolve is the Mashrafe Bin Mortaza conundrum. There is no doubt that, on the field, Mashrafe continues to be one of Bangladesh's better pace bowlers and his presence in the squad has a calming effect.
However, it is the player's constant vulnerability that has been the biggest problem for the side. This time for instance, the pacer had to pass a fitness test after each game to ensure his availability. The player, who played with multiple problems -- a side-strain, tissue-tear and finally a knee injury -- in a number of games left the field immediately after completing his spell. It is this uncertainty over a key component that has a major bearing on the team's strategies. The kind of state that he is in right now, even the 2015 World Cup seems far-fetched.
The team combination is another aspect that needs to be dwelt upon.
Whether Mahmudullah Riyad should be a part of Bangladesh's future games is a question that has increasingly been gaining currency. Apart from below-par performance in the World T20, Riyad averages nine in ODIs this year with the bat. His bowling average in ODIs since 2013 rests on an unimpressive 40. While Mushfiqur Rahim still believes in Riyad, with stats like these an end is surely near.
Speaking of 'ends', Abdur Razzak is another player who will be in focus. Apart from one good performance against Pakistan, he was short and was regularly whacked. Against Hong Kong he had an economy rate of 8.45. His last four ODI figures read one for 57, one for 55, none for 57 and one for 72 in nine overs. The last one came against Afghanistan. With so many talented slow left-armers in the pipeline, Razzak will have to make amends.
The other spinner in the side, Shohag Gazi, has not been doing too well either. That Bangladesh's players have a tendency to fade away after displaying immense potential is a well-known trend. Whether Gazi has already become a victim of that trend is a question that has been making the rounds.
Of all the factors however, Tamim Iqbal's lack of form has been the most concerning. Tamim averaged 11.8 in the last seven T20Is. The opener was in horrendous touch throughout the World T20. The lacklustre batting has led many to predict a Nafees Iqbal-like fall for the batsman.
These are tough times in Bangladesh cricket and it will require tough decisions to bring things back on track. With just a match to go till the end of the mega event, an interesting few days lie ahead at the BCB headquarters.
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