Hathurusingha banks on ‘complete performance’
Asked why Bangladesh squad arrived twenty minutes late at Pune's Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium yesterday, Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusingha adopted the humorous route, claiming that their team bus was stuck in first gear.
He also hinted that the time has come for the Tigers to shift gears in order to keep their ICC World Cup aspirations alive, as they face a high-flying India at the venue today.
The two teams are currently on opposing sides of the spectrum. While Bangladesh are still searching for stable ground after losing their last two matches convincingly, the hosts are living up to their status as pre-tournament favourites after three dominant triumphs.
The only occasion when Bangladesh beat India in the prestigious tournament was back in 2007. The recent success could inspire Bangladesh, though, after having beaten Rohit Sharma's team thrice in their last four meetings since the 2019 World Cup.
Bangladesh must bring their A game if they wish to build on the recent success against the hosts, and Hathurusingha is banking on a collective effort, while hoping that India misfire on the day, to get their campaign back on track.
"We had success in the recent past against India but, when it comes to the World Cup, it's a very different game altogether," said Hathurusingha.
"We are hoping that we will have a complete game, and we need to perform to our potential. India are probably the in-form team in this world cup and if they have a not-so-good game, and if we play to our potential, it will be a good game for us."
Bangladesh batting has remained a major source of concern, while quick bowling has also been subpar in the first Powerplay.
"We have the capability of doing that so that confidence and the memories are going to serve us well at the start but we need to start well.
"We haven't put up a complete batting performance or, if I can say, we couldn't come up with a complete performance [in] both bat and ball so far. We know when we play as a team and perform to our capabilities, we have beaten big teams in the past. So, fingers crossed," he added.
The repeated reshuffling of batting positions has only worsened Bangladesh's situation. However, Hathurusingha denied that the team was unsettled as a result of the repeated reshuffling.
"The batting-order goes according to our strategy and what we think is the best combination for that particular game. Those things we have communicated with the players well in advance. We have trained them the way we wanted them as well. So far, no one has complained.
Given the batting-friendly circumstances in Pune, Hathurusingha hinted that different combinations could be used; such as fielding one additional bowler. The Tigers, according to the 55-year-old, will continue to stick to their game-plan.
"There is success and at times it doesn't work but we are going to stick to our plans for this world cup."