Aakash Chopra ardently urges Bangladesh to perform admirably at the 2024 T20 World Cup to bring joy to their dedicated fans eagerly anticipating a significant victory reminiscent of the hopes of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) supporters. The Bangla Tigers are positioned in Group D with South Africa Sri Lanka Nepal and the Netherlands.
On June 8, Najmul Hossain Shanto and colleagues will begin their campaign against Sri Lanka in Dallas. They will play India in a warm-up game in New York on Saturday, June 1.
Chopra expressed doubts about Bangladesh’s chances of reaching the Super Eights in a video posted on his YouTube account. He went on to say that they must meet the expectations of their dissatisfied supporters.
“Can this team progress – I can’t tell you. We cannot even say whether they will reach the Super Eights because this team is present in the group of death. It is not easy. We wish you well. You called Mustafizur (Rahman) and played matches there (in the US) but it hasn’t been good.”
“You need to turn it around for your fans. Bangladesh have to start winning for their fans because the passion there is second to RCB. So much passion but neither are RCB winning the trophy nor are Bangladesh winning a big trophy. Please do it this time for the fans. Bangla Tigers – do something good.”
Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra holds the view that the Achilles heel of Bangladesh lies in the dearth of expertise within their batting lineup. Particularly the omissions of Tamim Iqbal and Mushfiqur Rahim from their roster exacerbate this concern.
“Shakib Al Hasan is at No. 5” – Aakash Chopra on Bangladesh’s probable playing XI
Aakash Chopra meticulously curated Bangladeshs potential starting lineup while fervently asserting that Shakib Al Hasan is set to continue batting at the 5th spot.
“Tanzid Hasan might be seen opening with Litton Das. Najmul Hossain Shanto, the captain, at No. 3. Soumya Sarkar can be at No. 4 his time because Shakib Al Hasan is at No. 5. Shakib is not batting in the top four anymore. After that, Towhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah, Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam and Mustafizur Rahman.”
Aakash Chopra
The cricketerturnedcommentator lauded the Tigers bowling suggesting that Shakib may not thrive in a lowermiddleorder batting position.
“I like the bowling unit. Considering the conditions you will get, I feel the bowling unit can do a good job, and they have a world-class all-rounder in Shakib Al Hasan. However, when he bats down the order, he is not the same player because he doesn’t bat at a strike rate of 170. He is a 130 strike rate player on a very decent day.”
Aakash Chopra
Chopra handpicked Najmul Hossain Shanto, Taskin Ahmed, and Soumya Sarkar as the focal players for the impending global event. Noting the challenging group they are in Chopra expressed confidence that progressing would pave the way for a smoother Super Eights journey.