New Delhi: Bangladesh T20I skipper Mahmudullah has said that while the whole team is behind Shakib Al Hasan after the former skipper was banned for two years by the ICC for failing to report an approach by bookies, his absence will also be an opportunity for the youngsters in the team to step up and perform in the series against India.
Mahmudullah also believes that players like Shakib are not made in a day and it would be difficult for anyone to replace him.
Speaking to reporters on the eve of their first contest of the three-match rubber, Bangladesh T20I skipper also said that while talks have surrounded the current pollution-related concerns in the national capital, his side is focusing on the match as such things are not in anyone’s control.
“We all know Shakib has been a great performer for Bangladesh. We know he did a mistake, but not a crime. We all are right now focusing on tomorrow’s game as it would be a perfect opportunity for our youngsters to step up and showcase their skills,” Mahmudullah said.
“It is difficult to replace him (Shakib). Players like Shakib are not made in a day,” he further opined.
When asked what he has learnt from Shakib and Bangladesh’s ODI skipper Mashrafe Mortaza, Mahmudullah said: “We have been playing together for a while. Shakib has been a great leader and Mashrafe has been another good motivator. I will try to step up and be a good leader. It is a great opportunity for me to lead my side. We have to play as a team and execute our skills.”
Commenting on his strategy for Sunday’s clash, Mahmudullah said his side’s focus will be on their batting and will try to put a big score as it will hand their bowlers a platform to prove themselves.
Meanwhile, a lot has been said about the pollution in the national capital and voices were also raised for the cancellation of the match before BCCI President Sourav Ganguly confirmed there was no such plan. Even India’s stand-in skipper Rohit Sharma had said he doesn’t have any problem with the conditions here. When asked about the issue, Mahmudullah said: “We had a chat about this (the conditions) with our management and players. It is something which is not probably in our control. We are focusing on our game and want to win it.”
The air quality has deteriorated to severe levels in the past one week and has cast doubts over the match. There has been smog all over the stadium, forcing many in the Bangladesh camp to wear masks while conducting their practice sessions.
However, as Russell Domingo and Vikram Rathour maintained, there’s nothing that the both the teams can do about and all they can eventually focus upon is playing the game.
Rathour said on Friday that the series will provide the team with an opportunity to try out different combinations. But, one thing which this team will like to focus the most will be to improve their batting while setting up a total — something which even Kohli wants his boys to work upon.
“This Bangladesh team is very good. They have put us under a lot of pressure in the past. So we are not treating them any differently and will look to focus on our game,” Rohit Sharma said.
Catch-the-match
India vs Bangladesh
First T20 International
Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi
Match starts at 4pm UAE
