Bangladesh captain Tawhid Hridoy has admitted his side’s desire for trophies is not showing in their cricket after they finished the ODI tri-series against Afghanistan and Zimbabwe without a win on Wednesday.
Hridoy acknowledged that Bangladesh’s desire to lift trophies at the Asia Cup and World Cup remained strong, but admitted that the team had repeatedly failed to deliver when it mattered most.
“Whenever we play a big series, a tri-nation tournament, the Asia Cup or the World Cup, we all want to win a trophy. This hunger is in everyone,” Hridoy said after Bangladesh finished dead last in the tri-nation series following a seven-wicket defeat to Afghanistan on Wednesday.
“But at the same time, we say it, but it’s not showing in our action,” he added.
The comments came after Bangladesh endured a disappointing campaign, losing both matches they played in the three-team tournament, having earlier lost to Zimbabwe by 99 runs.
Their performances raised further questions about the team’s ability to compete consistently in major competitions.
With the Asia Cup approaching, Hridoy said playing the tournament at home presented a significant opportunity, although the team would need to address its shortcomings quickly to meet expectations.
“Playing the Asia Cup at home is a huge opportunity for us, and expectations are high from everyone, including us. We definitely need to get our team into a good position.”
Bangladesh’s struggles have extended beyond the latest tournament, particularly in overseas one-day internationals. Hridoy admitted that the team’s batting unit had repeatedly failed to cope with conditions away from home, leaving the side vulnerable after early wickets.
He also conceded that Bangladesh needed to improve their mindset and game awareness, particularly when recovering from difficult situations.
“When early wickets fall, the entire team collapses together,” Hridoy said, stressing the need for one or two batters to take responsibility and guide the side out of trouble.
The stand-in captain said Bangladesh’s batters needed to adapt more quickly to overseas conditions and respond better to the demands of individual matches, rather than merely identifying the problems.
Hridoy also urged the team to learn from its repeated mistakes, expressing hope that Bangladesh could make the necessary improvements before the Asia Cup.
“I hope we will do something good, Inshallah,” he said.