Mustafizur's comments went viral following Bangladesh's historic ODI series-clinching victory over Australia, where he highlighted the difference between top teams and aspiring champions.
Despite reducing Australia to 81 for 6 in the rain-affected second ODI, Bangladesh allowed Marnus Labuschagne and Xavier Bartlett to rebuild the innings with a century partnership. Australia eventually posted 187 for 8 before Bangladesh chased down a revised target to seal the series.
Reflecting on that recovery, Mustafizur said Bangladesh still have room to improve if they want to compete for global titles.
"If we are truly capable of becoming world champions, we need to be even better," Mustafizur had said. "Australia showed why they are a big team. Even after losing five or six wickets early, they still found a way to score runs and fight back."
Speaking ahead of the third ODI, Soumya agreed with his teammate's assessment, stressing that success in ICC tournaments is the true measure of a team's progress.
"After every World Cup, teams start planning for the next one and think about how they can improve. What Mustafizur said is absolutely correct. If we want to become a big team, we have to do these things."
The left-hander added that strong performances in major ICC events are essential for earning global recognition.
"If you don't perform in ICC events or major tournaments, your team doesn't get the same respect. We want to achieve something significant as a team in big tournaments and take Bangladesh cricket to a much higher level," he said.
Bangladesh have already secured a historic ODI series victory over Australia and will now look to complete a clean sweep in the final match in Mirpur.
