Bangladesh has become a team to be reckoned with in ODI cricket for the past decade. Superpowers like Australia and India are now forced to think differently about Bangladesh. That’s why the expectation is high with this format of the World Cup. Former president of the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) Sourav Ganguly also thinks that Bangladesh can play in the semi-final of the next ODI World Cup. The Maharaja of Kolkata spoke about this expectation when he came to Bangladesh recently and faced the media.
The ODI World Cup will be held in India at the end of this year. As the games are being played on Asian grounds, there is an added advantage for the Asian teams. Familiar conditions, familiar battlefields. Bangladesh is also well known for the spin fear in the subcontinent. The recent performance of the Tigers has also been surprising. Considering everything, Sourav expressed his expectations about Bangladesh.
Sourav recently came to Dhaka to inaugurate the Mayor’s Cup. Addressing the media there, the Indian legend said, “Bangladesh is a good team in ODIs. They (Bangladeshi cricketers) know how to play in such conditions. I have high hopes for them in the World Cup. If good form and luck help, they can play in the quarter-final or semi-final.”
Sourav expects Bangladesh to win the upcoming England series as well. In this context, he also said, “Indian team came here (Bangladesh) six years ago. Bangladesh won the ODI series. This time the opponent is England. I believe Bangladesh will beat them too. But the English are also strong opponents. Bangladesh has to do well. Especially in bowling.”
Coming to Bangladesh, Sourav also met Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Sourav was accompanied by his wife Donna Ganguly and BCB President Nazmul Hasan Papon. Sourav also spoke about cricket with the Prime Minister.
It should be noted that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has appointed a new coach before the upcoming World Cup. After the departure of Russell Domingo, Bangladesh trusted old coach Chandika Hathurusingha. This Sri Lankan coach has already started working. He said that he will proceed with the World Cup plan from the England series. So winning this series is important. However, if Team Bangladesh fulfils Sourav’s World Cup expectations, it will be a new milestone for the Tigers.