Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto shared his thoughts ahead of the first Test of the two-match series against India. The match will be played in Chennai from September 19 onwards and Shanto emphasized that Bangladesh is keen to follow the process, instead of thinking about the result.
Bangladesh’s confidence is on cloud nine after the historic 2-0 away series win against Pakistan, the first in their 24-year Test history. However, Shanto underlined the importance of process and adaptation as his side prepared for the first Test against India, which begins on Thursday.
"We are here to play a new series, and the dressing room believes we can play very good cricket. We are not thinking about the outcome, but just trying to follow our processes," Shanto said in the press conference.
Shanto acknowledged the challenge of playing India at home, despite the confidence generated from the Pakistan series.
"We know they have covered all the bases, like batting, bowling, and fielding. But, we are not thinking about the conditions and the opponents. We are just thinking about ourselves," he noted.
Despite Nahid Rana, the Bangladesh pacer capable of hitting the high 140 kph speeds being the bowler to watch out for, Shanto emphasized the importance of the entire pace unit. He also added that Bangladesh aims to maintain emotional control and focus on its game rather than the outcome.
"Yes, he is very exciting, and the way he bowled against Pakistan is really impressive, looks very nice. But I will not put my entire focus on any individual player. Of late players aren't getting too emotional. In the last couple of years, I felt we have been better in controlling our emotions," Shanto commented.
Shanto was optimistic about Bangladesh's spin and pace attack on the Chepauk pitch. He also emphasized the need to adjust to the wicket fast.
"We have a very experienced spin-bowling attack. But I think in the last couple of years, we have had very good pace bowlers as well. As far as the wicket is concerned, it will be a good wicket. I don't want to talk too much about it. We will try to adapt the wicket as soon as possible," he signed off.
(PTI inputs)
