Cricket News By TODAYLIVESCORE.INFO - Domingo optimistic despite Shakib loss. Shakib's loss will be a huge blow admitted Domingo
Shakib's loss will be a huge blow admitted Domingo
Bangladesh head coach Russell Domingo said on Monday that losing Shakib Al Hasan is a big loss considering that the team team will miss his leadership qualities in pressure situations in addition to his all-round skills
Shakib has been ruled of the ongoing T20 WC due to a hamstring injury. Bangladesh get ready to take on South Africa but are well out of the semifinal race, courtesy three successive losses in the Super 12s.
“Shakib is obviously a big loss for the balance of the side. The team will also miss his leadership and the calmness that he brings to pressure situations. When he doesn't play, you go a batsman or bowler light. You might have to play a part-time bowler. It does provide someone new to make his first World Cup appearance tomorrow (October 2),” Domingo told reporters on Monday adding that they have a lot to play for in their remaining two matches.
”We had a good discussion after the West Indies game. Morale has been pretty low after the two narrow losses against Sri Lanka and West Indies. Our chance is probably over in this World Cup, but we have a lot to play for tomorrow. The guys are determined to put in good performances,” he said.
“Bangladesh have only won one game in the second phase of the T20 WC, ever. There's an opportunity to improve on that record, to try to win the two games. It will be a big stepping stone for us. We have to open our account tomorrow,” he added.
Domingo also did not give credence to the idea that Shakib and Mustafizur Rahman were tired coming into the World Cup after their IPL commitments.
“I can't comment on how Shakib and Mustafiz are feeling. They can probably answer this question. All I can say is that when you are losing, you can always point at things. I don't think we are in a position to do that. We have made some mistakes at crucial stages. We cannot shift the blame to anything else but ourselves,” said Domingo.
“Bubble life has been hard. I have been home for five weeks in this entire year. But that's the card we are dealt with, and it's the same for everyone,” he said.
Domingo added that it would be harsh to judge the team based on the performance in the World Cup as he feels some of his young charges are not getting their due as the team failed to make it into the semis.
“Fortunately I am not on social media. I don't read too much of it. Most of my social media used to be when I was involved in fishing. Not so much cricket. So I am not too sure what's getting said out there. There have been so many good performances from some of the young boys like Shoriful and Naim. When things are not going well, you forget to look at those positive aspects. We are one of the youngest sides, age-wise, but people forget that because we have two or three really experienced players. The results haven't been great but I have been proud of how the boys fought during those tense encounters,” said Domingo.
“In terms of media, it is always easy to talk after the team is selected. Form is important in this format. Carrying out-of-form players can sometimes hurt you, especially a batsman. If you are not in form, there's no time to find form in this particular format,” he said.
“We know it is a national sport. The results are massively important. The team has a fantastic win record in T20Is in the last 12 months. We won some big series. I think it would be very harsh to judge the team based on two narrow losses against two prior world champions. The team has made big strides. There are some young players. We are by no means the finished article in this format. There's a lot of room for improvement. I know there's a lot of negativity around the side, but there is a lot to be positive about. I know there's criticism about certain players and certain aspects of the coaching staff. But, I feel the team has progressed immensely. From being ranked No 11 in the world to be ranked No 6, in eight months, is a big achievement for Bangladesh cricket. But we know we are a long way from where we need to be. But it is not going to happen overnight. It is a process. There's another World Cup in a year's time, things have to be put in place,” he concluded.
