After Bangladesh’s losses against Sri Lanka on all three
fronts, ODI captain Mashrafe Mortaza has called for the team to improve the
mental aspect of their game. Despite being a strong team, Bangladesh lost to a
struggling Sri Lanka, something that has baffled many.
The ODI captain cited that the tendency of the nation to be
overhyped about in-form youngsters is not a good practice, while also using the
example MS Dhoni’s superior mental strength to get things done.
‘I think the problem with us is that whenever a new player
comes and performs, we think that he is the best. If you look at MS Dhoni, he
is always mentally prepared to fight till the end while batting alongside the
tailenders. This type of mentality is needed in international cricket.
‘[The youngsters] aren’t aware of the difficulties of
international cricket. They have perhaps not played cricket at that level. So
all of a sudden when they are called up to play in international cricket, they
fall mentally short of adjusting to it.’
One of the biggest mistakes that youngsters make is trying
to do things the way they have been. Like, for example, playing a risky shot
that is totally uncalled for. And Mashrafe believes that having the ability to
control the inner desires is necessary to succeed in international cricket.
‘Mentally adjusting to the international scene is very
important. Sometimes, you can’t play with the flow you are used to. You have to
have the mental ability to control yourself.’
Mashrafe then spoke about players’ personal lives playing a
part in the team’s on-field performances, citing the examples of Shakib Al
Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah Riyad.
‘I will name four players: Mushfiq, Mahmudullah Riyad,
Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim. Look at their personal lives and [you will realize
that] they have felt the effect of their personal lives on the field of play.
‘It is only natural for a player’s on-field performances to
be smooth if his personal life is also smooth. They [personal life and
profession life] are proportionate to each other, which is why it is so
important.’