Bangladesh have to adapt Afghanistan’s mindset and Shakib’s absence, says Harsha Bhogle
![Harsha Bhogle [M]](https://cricfrenzy.com/public/storage/images/2-2025/c46bKaufe8da83Qeb73bF1bw.jpg)
Harsha Bhogle [M]
Now, renowned cricket analyst and commentator Harsha Bhogle has echoed similar concerns, emphasizing that Bangladesh faces a tough challenge but can take inspiration from Afghanistan’s rise.
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Bangladesh has been struggling as a team, having lost their last two ODI series against Afghanistan and West Indies. In contrast, Afghanistan has won four out of their last five bilateral series, including victories over strong opponents like South Africa and Bangladesh.
Apart from bilateral series, Afghanistan has also impressed in ICC tournaments. They won four matches in the 2023 ODI World Cup and narrowly missed out on a semifinal spot. However, in the 2024 T20 World Cup, they shocked everyone by reaching the semifinals. Bhogle believes Bangladesh should adopt a similar mindset.
Speaking to Cricbuzz, Bhogle said, “I wouldn’t be surprised if Bangladesh thinks—if Afghanistan can make it to the semifinals of the last ICC event, why can’t we? They should have that belief. But their group is very tough.”
Since the 2023 ODI World Cup, Bangladesh’s star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has struggled with form and has been absent from the national team due to his political involvement. Additionally, his recent bowling ban has ruled him out of the Champions Trophy squad. Harsha Bhogle believes Bangladesh must move on from their greatest-ever cricketer.
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"I think they (Bangladesh) need to accept that they won’t have their best-ever player anymore. For years, he hasn’t been at his best. Since he’s not available, they have to adapt," Bhogle said.
Among the current squad, only Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Soumya Sarkar, Mustafizur Rahman, and Taskin Ahmed played in the last Champions Trophy. Despite this experience, Bangladesh lacks senior players compared to other teams. Bhogle believes youngsters like Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Towhid Hridoy need to deliver big performances.
"They have promising young players like Tanzid and Towhid, and they need to score big. Bangladesh has recalled Soumya Sarkar again, giving him multiple chances. He is a good player but has not performed to his full potential. Then there’s Mushfiq, Mahmudullah—both solid players. Interestingly, they didn’t play in the last tournament," Bhogle added.
Bangladesh’s pace attack has improved significantly in recent years. The squad boasts talented fast bowlers like Taskin Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mustafizur Rahman, and Nahid Rana.
Their spin department will be led by Mehidy Hasan Miraz, supported by Rishad Hossain and Nasum Ahmed. However, Bhogle believes Miraz will be the key to dismantling top teams.
"Bangladesh’s bowling lineup is strong. But if there’s one bowler who can truly trouble big teams, it’s Mehidy Hasan Miraz," Bhogle said.
