Bangladesh's head coach, Chandika Hathurusinghe, expresses confidence in his current squad as they prepare for a two-match Test series against India, believing it to be the most balanced team he has encountered. Key figures such as Shakib Al Hasan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Mushfiqur Rahim are set to play crucial roles as Bangladesh seeks to build on their recent achievements in Test cricket abroad.
While the team has historically won only eight of their 67 away matches, their recent successes—including a landmark victory against Pakistan—have significantly boosted their confidence. Hathurusinghe highlighted the importance of how the team has navigated challenging situations in recent games, stating, "The win in Pakistan certainly gives us a lot of confidence coming into this series. The way we played, bouncing back from tough positions, and different players stepping up at critical moments empowers our belief."
He praised the leadership and consistency of the seasoned trio—Shakib, Mehidy, and Mushfiqur—which continues to enhance the performances of the younger players. "Shakib’s all-round capabilities allow us to strike the right balance in our team, whether we need an extra bowler or batsman. His experience is invaluable,” Hathurusinghe noted.
He also recognized Mehidy Hasan Miraz as Bangladesh's most improved player in the last five to six years. "Mehidy is ready to take over whenever Shakib steps aside. His bowling is consistently reliable, and his batting has made significant strides. Moreover, he is an exceptional fielder,” Hathurusinghe remarked.
As Bangladesh gets ready to tackle India’s formidable spinners, R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, Mushfiqur Rahim’s thorough preparation is particularly noteworthy. Hathurusinghe likened Mushfiqur’s commitment to that of legendary cricket figure Sachin Tendulkar. "Mushfiqur mentioned on the flight to India that he averages 55 here. His professionalism and preparation are truly outstanding."
Having lost all three of their previous Tests in India, Hathurusinghe is hopeful that this well-rounded team will present a more formidable challenge this time. "This team is well-equipped—we have strong fast-bowlers, an experienced spin attack, and deep batting options,” he said. "With two spinners who can bat and wicketkeepers who are among our top scorers, we are in a much stronger position to be competitive in this series.”