Bangladesh have changed their mindset, they have become better with experience: Wasim Jaffer

India will be hosting Bangladesh for a two-match Test series, starting September 19 at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The Najmul Shanto-led side recently defeated Pakistan in an away series and will be full of confidence ahead of the first Test against India. Their batters have improved significantly in red-ball cricket, while the bowlers were exceptional against Pakistan. That has given them the confidence to beat India as Shanto expressed the desire to beat the hosts in both Test matches.

Reflecting upon their progress, former cricketer Wasim Jaffer noted that the mindset of Bangladesh players has changed and they have become better with experience. He believes that the series win over Afghanistan and a win over New Zealand away from home in 2022 has played a massive part in their confidence boost. Jaffer added that senior players such as Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim have guided the team well in the recent past.

Also Read - Rohit Sharma cautions Bangladesh ahead of Test series

“I feel they have changed their mindset. They want to play on bouncy pitches with a bit of a pace even at home. The series they won against Afghanistan was played on fast and bouncy pitches (Ebadot Hossain and Taskin Ahmed starred in the victory). And from there I feel there has been a slight shift in mindset that they are not going to win only with spin,” Jaffer was quoted by Hindustan Times.

“They have become better with experience. They were known to play well in Bangladesh, but lately they have also toured well. They have beaten New Zealand in New Zealand (2002 at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui), beaten Pakistan in Pakistan. In limited-overs cricket, they have done well in patches away from home. They have quite a few seniors to guide them. Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim have been there for so long,” Jaffer added.

Also Read - ‘We always look forward to it’ - Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusingha on playing against India

Bangladesh reached India on September 15. However, all-rounder Shakib joined the squad on September 17 after spending a couple of weeks playing in the county championship.