(Image Source: PTI)
[Saba Sports News] Bangladesh pace bowler Taskin Ahmed acknowledges that the pressure is on them, not their opponents, as they gear up to face the Netherlands in a crucial ICC World Cup game at the Eden Gardens on October 28.
Bangladesh has faced a challenging phase in the ongoing ICC World Cup, losing their last four games after an initial victory against Afghanistan. Another loss to the Netherlands, an associate nation, would be a significant setback for Bangladesh.
However, the current performance of the Bangladesh team doesn’t guarantee an easy win, especially after the Netherlands’ surprising victory over South Africa earlier in the tournament. The weight of expectations adds to the challenge for Bangladesh, who are eager to change their fortunes.
Taskin emphasized that in such matches, the pressure is high due to the expectations that they must win. He expressed their determination to win every game and emphasized the importance of focusing on the next match while playing their best cricket.
Regarding their chances of reaching the semifinals, Taskin remains optimistic, stating that there are still four games to go and anything can happen, considering run rates and other factors. He stressed the need to take it one match at a time and acknowledged room for improvement in both batting and bowling.
Taskin, who had been sidelined due to a recurring shoulder injury, returned to training and plans to manage his shoulder while playing. He mentioned that he had been dealing with this shoulder issue for a while, opting for rehabilitation instead of surgery in hopes of playing in the 2022 T20 World Cup.
“I had this shoulder (issue) for the first time in South Africa that was two years back. I have a tear in my tendon for long time and I am playing by managing it even in the Asia Cup and World Cup I am playing with it and suddenly it got increased and the doctor and physio did MRI and it was found out that it was swollen and so took rest for couple of days and now I am feeling better.
I am personally in a good shape and after playing I can understand where I stand.”
“As a player I want to play all the time. After the injury, I was sent to UK for assessment. There I was told by the surgeon that if I undergo surgery there is no guarantee that it will be cured and it will take couple of years to recover while there was another option that is rehabilitation and after doing the rehab for one and a half months till now I played and now it increased (injury) and after the tournament probably board will make a plan after having discussion with a shoulder specialist regarding what to do next and how to proceed. The surgery is the last option and I want to do rehab and play by managing it. When the pain increases it becomes difficult for me as a fast bowler.”
In response to ODI skipper Shakib Al Hasan’s individual training sessions in Dhaka, Taskin expressed support for Shakib’s efforts to improve his batting performance. He believes that Shakib’s absence from the team hotel had no negative impact on the team, and the focus was on his individual improvement. Shakib had returned earlier than planned after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) advised him to do so, addressing concerns about his absence from the team hotel.
Taskin highlighted that Shakib’s commitment to individual improvement is something to appreciate, and when he rejoined the team, they had a productive time together during the official practice session.
“I don’t think it (his absence from the team hotel) had any impact and when he returned we had a good time. Basically he went there to make individual improvement by doing specific training so that he can do well for us because he is not batting as per his expectation,” said Taskin.
“I feel we should appreciate it. He went there after talking with management and BCB and we had a rest day but today he is available with us in the team during the official practice session.”