Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and Sri Lanka coach Chris Silverwood have downplayed any notions of personal vendettas or scores being settled between the two sides ahead of their upcoming series.
Shanto emphasized the importance of focusing on the present rather than dwelling on past encounters, expressing confidence in his team’s ability to perform well in the series. He highlighted the need for a collective effort from all players, citing the team’s recent successes in T20Is as a source of motivation.
On the other hand, Silverwood echoed Shanto’s sentiments, emphasizing the significance of looking ahead and focusing on the team’s preparations for the T20 World Cup. He acknowledged the competitive nature of the series but stressed the importance of building towards the upcoming global tournament.
While Silverwood acknowledged Sri Lanka’s favorites tag for the series, he also emphasized the competitiveness of both teams and their shared goal of performing at their best in preparation for the World Cup.
Shanto, in his role as Bangladesh’s newly appointed captain across all formats, discussed the challenges and responsibilities that come with leadership. However, he maintained a focus on his primary role as a batsman and expressed confidence in his ability to contribute to the team’s success.
Regarding Sri Lanka’s squad, Silverwood addressed the absence of key players like Wanindu Hasaranga and Pathum Nissanka, stating that it provides opportunities for others to step up and gain valuable game time ahead of the World Cup. Despite these setbacks, Silverwood remained optimistic about the squad’s depth and the potential for players to seize their chances.
Overall, both Shanto and Silverwood conveyed a sense of optimism and readiness for the upcoming series, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the present and making the most of the opportunities ahead.
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