Bangladesh’s new assistant coach Sarwar Imran believes the main challenge ahead of the home series against India will be to bring back the confidence in the players. The national side began their training camp at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium yesterday.
“Our team had the believe of winning every match just six months back but the poor performance in the last two series changed the whole scenario and it’s important to bring back the confidence in them and if we can do that everything will be fine again,” said Imran who carried the role of the head coach in Bangladesh’s inaugural Test match against India in 2000.
“Tamim was not getting runs and our two finishers Nasir and Mahmudullah were also struggling at the end which was the reason of the poor performance,” he added.
Two of India’s key players - skipper MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli - might not be with the touring party and though Imran said Bangladesh have beaten India previously, he also said they still have to give their hundred percent to put up a good show against their neighbours.
He added it will be possible only when the cricketers regain their self confidence and the team spirit will be key.
The national squad underwent a fitness test on the opening day of their camp. However, Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim was among the seven absentees in the camp as the skipper was granted a leave for his wedding shopping in India.
It was learnt, Mahmudullah will be joining the camp from the start of next month while five other cricketers are in West Indies with the Bangladesh “A” team.
