Lessons Unheeded: Mehidy’s Take on Repeated Defeats

Bangladesh’s ODI captain, Mehidy Hasan, believes that the team is not learning from its past mistakes, leading to setbacks in the 50-over format. Afghanistan clinched the three-match ODI series as Bangladesh’s batting lineup faltered significantly.

“We are not learning from each defeat,” Mehidy stated. “We aren’t improving as we need to. Although there are specific areas we lack in, we must progress with these players,” he continued. “We don’t have many players to fall back on outside [the team]. Our team isn’t as poor as the results indicate, but we need to enhance our game and correct our errors,” he added.

In their last two games against Afghanistan, Bangladesh was unable to bat past 30 overs, getting bowled out for 93 runs in 27.1 overs in the final match after being bundled out for 109 in 28.3 overs in the second game.

Mehidy emphasized the team’s current goal is to complete the full 50 overs. “Our target should be to play all 50 overs,” Mehidy remarked.

“Unfortunately, we didn’t achieve that in the past two matches, and I must admit that our batting unit performed poorly,” he noted.

“The team struggles when batsmen don’t take ownership. Each player must take accountability. Otherwise, we will continue to face difficulties. To win, we need runs on the board regardless of the conditions,” he emphasized.

Taking responsibility for the series loss, Mehidy added that the team must regain its momentum swiftly, hoping that spending time with family before the West Indies series will provide some relaxation.

“The team is undoubtedly feeling low after this series defeat. We are optimistic that these two days with family at home will allow us to play with a refreshed mindset,” he said.

“Each player must take responsibility for the lackluster performance. As captain, I must also do the same. I am hopeful we will bounce back in the upcoming series,” Mehidy stated.

“As captain, my aim is for the batters to be mentally robust. There won’t be immediate improvements overnight. While the coaching staff is encouraging the team mentally, I too should contribute in this role,” he added.

Bangladesh will face West Indies in a three-match ODI series at home starting October 8, with the arrivals scheduled for October 15.

It was noted that Litton Das, who missed the series against Afghanistan due to a side strain, is awaiting medical clearance following a scan on October 14. However, sources suggest he may not be available for the ODI series.