Former India player turned veteran commentator Aakash Chopra has urged Bangladesh to perform well at the 2024 T20 World Cup for their fans, saying that they are waiting for a big title similar to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans. However, Bangladesh are placed in Group D alongside South Africa, Sri Lanka, Nepal and the Netherlands. However, Bangladesh will begin their campaign against Sri Lanka in Dallas on June 8. They will play against India in a warm-up game in New York on Saturday, June 1.
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Chopra said, “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,” he said.
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“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,” he further added.
However, Aakash Chopra added that Bangladesh’s weakness is the lack of experience in the batting department. He also stated that Tamim Iqbal and Mushfiqur Rahim are no longer part of their squad as well. Aakash Chopra added that Bangladesh’s probable playing XI and shared that Shakib Al Hasan will continue to bat at No. 5.
“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 concluded. “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.”
