Soumya: ‘There should have been a much bigger celebration after series win’

Soumya Sarkar Calls for Greater Celebrations After Historic Australia Series Win

Bangladesh cricket has reached a new milestone, having secured their maiden One-Day International series victory against cricketing giants Australia. This monumental achievement, clinched after winning the first two matches convincingly, has ignited discussions not just about the on-field heroics but also the subdued nature of the team’s celebrations. Seasoned batter Soumya Sarkar has openly voiced his expectation for a much grander display of triumph, reflecting on the significance of defeating such a formidable opponent.

The Tigers secured the series by winning the second ODI by five wickets, following an emphatic 86-run victory in the opening encounter. Despite the magnitude of the accomplishment, reports suggested minimal celebrations beyond the customary team song in the dressing room. This observation led Soumya to articulate his thoughts on the matter, highlighting a perceived shift from the more effusive celebrations of yesteryear when a Bangladesh win often sparked nationwide jubilation.

A Call for Proportionate Jubilation

“This series win is such a big achievement, for which I think there should have been a much bigger celebration,” Soumya Sarkar stated, emphasizing the historical weight of the victory. “I don’t know how much we have done but it should have been better. If we can make it 3-0, it will certainly be huge, but even winning the series should have been celebrated better. We are focused on making it 3-0 by playing positive cricket in all three departments.” His words underscore a desire for the team to fully acknowledge and revel in their hard-earned success, not just for themselves but also for the fans who passionately follow their journey.

Soumya’s Crucial Counter-Attacking Knock

Beyond his comments on celebrations, Soumya Sarkar played a pivotal role in Bangladesh’s series-winning performance. In the second ODI, chasing a target of 192 in 41 overs, he contributed a crucial 42 runs off 47 balls. His innings came at a critical juncture, following the early dismissal of Tanzid Hasan for a duck. Soumya, alongside Najmul Hossain Shanto, forged an 86-run partnership for the second wicket, effectively blunting Australia’s early momentum and setting Bangladesh on course for victory.

Reflecting on his approach, Soumya explained the strategy behind his aggressive batting. “When Tanzid got out, we kept in mind that a big team will always try to get on top of you if you are bogged down. They were trying hard to get wickets, so Shanto and I decided to play normal attacking cricket. We didn’t want to be dominated at that instance.” This tactical foresight prevented Australia from gaining a stranglehold on the match, demonstrating a mature understanding of game situations under pressure.

He further elaborated on their mindset: “If we thought that the target wasn’t huge and we could take our time, we would have handed them the advantage. They used their main bowlers for four- or five-over spells. They were hunting for wickets. Shanto and I planned not to give wickets to their main bowlers, but always be on the lookout for boundaries. We just planned to pick up runs by staying positive.” This proactive stance ensured that the required run rate remained manageable and kept the Australian bowlers under constant pressure, ultimately leading to their defeat.

Justifying the Reverse Sweep and Taking Risks

Soumya’s innings concluded when he mistimed a reverse sweep against part-timer Matt Renshaw, with the shot finding Xavier Bartlett at slip. Despite his dismissal, Soumya remained unapologetic about his choice of shot, emphasizing that his approach is dictated by the situation and his confidence. “If I reached my half-century, my shot wouldn’t come into the discussion. But I thought the shot was on; I had success playing it in the past. I wasn’t successful this time. I would play the shot whenever I feel it is necessary.” This statement highlights a cricketer who trusts his instincts and is willing to take calculated risks, rather than being solely driven by personal milestones.

The Ascendance of Bangladesh’s Pace Attack

Perhaps one of the most exciting developments in Bangladesh cricket, as observed by Soumya, is the remarkable transformation and growing prowess of their fast-bowling unit. Historically known for their spin-friendly conditions and reliance on spinners, Bangladesh’s pace battery has emerged as a genuine match-winning force, capable of challenging the best teams in the world.

“I think we have one of the best pace attacks in the world currently,” Soumya asserted with confidence. “I think the opposition will think about our pace attack if they put out a fast bouncy wicket against us. The pace bowlers are giving us a very good time. Spin used to help our winning ratio in the past; now it’s the fast bowlers playing match-winning roles.” This shift represents a significant evolution in Bangladesh’s cricketing identity, providing them with a more balanced and formidable attack across different conditions.

Soumya underlined the importance of nurturing these talents: “We should really take care of these fast bowlers so that they can play for Bangladesh for a long time. They should become role models for the next batch of fast bowlers in the country. We want a healthy competition in every department, so that we can take advantage of their momentum.” His comments reflect a forward-thinking approach, recognizing the long-term benefits of investing in their fast-bowling resources.

Tables Turn: Opponents Now Wary of Bangladesh Pacers

The impact of this pace resurgence is profound, fundamentally altering how opposition teams now approach playing Bangladesh. Soumya vividly recalls a time when Bangladeshi batters had to meticulously plan which opposition bowlers to target and which to play cautiously. Now, he observes, the tables have turned.

“There used to be a time when we as Bangladesh batters had to choose between opposition bowlers, whom to attack, whom not to attack. Now the opposition are thinking about our bowlers in the same way. They are now getting dismissed due to the pressure. It is such a good feeling,” he remarked. This sentiment captures the immense pride and satisfaction within the team, knowing their bowlers command genuine respect and fear from international rivals.

He specifically lauded the depth and talent within the pace department, naming key figures: “After Taskin and Mustafiz, we have Rana coming as first change. When Rana is not getting enough wickets, Mustafiz or Taskin step up. Shoriful also bowled well in the last series. He hasn’t played [against Australia] due to the combination. I think it is exciting for the future.” The presence of multiple high-quality fast bowlers like Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Nahid Rana, and Shoriful Islam creates a formidable arsenal, offering both consistency and variety, and promising a bright future for Bangladesh in international cricket.