A shot at a more ‘fearless’ approach

Bangladesh’s newly appointed T20I skipper, Nurul Hasan Sohan, is willing to work out an approach of fearlessness for the three T20Is in Zimbabwe, beginning from July 30.

The 28-year-old considers the upcoming assignment an opportunity to take Bangladesh’s T20 credentials to next level by relaying the contributions of senior stars, rested from the Zimbabwe T20Is.

“The contributions of senior players in Bangladesh cricket can’t be said in one or two words,” Sohan said during his first press conference as captain yesterday.

“They brought Bangladesh cricket to a certain stage and now it’s an opportunity for us juniors, playing in Zimbabwe, to take things to the next level,” he added, indicating the passing of a baton.

“I think he [Nurul Hasan Sohan]is capable and the BCB thought that Sohan will be able to give a lot of things to Bangladesh cricket in future, which is the reason he was appointed captain of the T20I side. I wish him all the best and I hope the upcoming Zimbabwe series will be a challenge he will be able to overcome.”

Shakib Al Hasan

Given the timing of the change in captaincy with only a few months before the T20 World Cup, slated for October in Australia, it is apparent the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is looking to improve in the shortest format of the game and find a new way of doing things with youngsters.

Both Mahmudullah Riyad and Mushfiqur Rahim were rested for the T20 series while Shakib Al Hasan was rested for the entire tour. It would be an opportunity to find new patterns and leadership within the short period left before the World Cup. However, Sohan sits at the hot seat, previously occupied by Riyad, for just the T20I series in Zimbabwe and rumours involve the BCB looking at Shakib to take over captaincy of the T20I side following the tour of Zimbabwe.

For Sohan, the series presents an opportunity to hone his credentials for a future vice-captaincy role and assert a more positive approach, fit for T20s, without interference of seniors.

The wicketkeeper-batter, who had praised the dressing room atmosphere after Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi clinched the Dhaka Premier League this season, was looking to enact a culture where they can value each other’s success. Having led Sheikh Jamal in domestic games in the past, Sohan felt he was ready to do that.

“When I captained in domestic cricket, I always tried to ensure we play as a team. Most important as a team is that we enjoy each other’s success. That’s the culture I want to maintain.

“Rather than the results, the process will be the most important,” Sohan said.

While he will be captaining for just the upcoming series, Sohan’s idea was to make contributions that have an impact through a fearless approach.

“The most important thing here is to play fearless cricket without worrying about the result since that can hinder the process. I believe a fearless approach can bring more positive impact. We cannot afford to worry about options or reserves. Most of the players that are in the squad have been playing for at least two years,” he said about leading a younger unit.

Sohan’s appointment was welcomed by Shakib, who talked to the media during a commercial endorsement in Chattogram on Saturday.

“I think he is capable and the BCB thought that Sohan will be able to give a lot of things to Bangladesh cricket in future, which is the reason he was appointed captain of the T20I side. I wish him all the best and I hope the upcoming Zimbabwe series will be a challenge he will be able to overcome,” Shakib had said.

Trying to find a new way with youngsters is a risk that may not pay off for the BCB but the manner in which Sohan applied himself with some gritty knocks during the recent West Indies tour, also presents a chance at turning over a new leaf.