Can Bangladesh make the switch? Head coach Simmons demands ODI focus for Champions Trophy

Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons has pointed out the need for his players to change their mindset from T20 cricket to the 50-over format ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. While other teams are preparing through the bilateral ODI series, the Najmul Hossain Shanto-led side enters the tournament after playing in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). Simmons revealed that while this may not be the ideal preparation, the players have the necessary skills and now need to focus on adapting their mentality to the 50-over format.

The Bangladesh squad began their preparations at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on February 8. Unlike other teams engaged in ODI matches ahead of the Champions Trophy, the Bangla Tigers have been playing the fast-paced T20 format, which demands a different approach. Seeing this, Simmons has put a focused training regimen to help the players shift gears and be ready for the 50-over contest.

"I agree that it is not the best preparation. But they were playing white-ball cricket, which means that they are sharp skills-wise. We have to get their minds up to 50-over cricket in the next six or seven days. They have the skills. They are performing. It is about getting to that 50-over mentality now. We will have double practice sessions in the next couple of days. We bat and bowl in the morning and then do the same under the lights. We are getting ourselves prepared to bat for 50 overs," Simmons told reporters as per Cricbuzz on Monday.

We are going to need a strong mental attitude: Phil Simmons

To ensure a smooth change, Bangladesh will have intense double practice sessions, covering both batting and bowling under different conditions. Simmons is confident that the players have the skillset but need to work on their ability to pace themselves over 50 overs. Key players have also been the subject of discussion, including skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto, who struggled for game time in BPL but remains mentally strong. 

Also Read: Hannan Sarkar to step down as Bangladesh national selector

"The first part of the preparation is about Dubai. Once we can get ourselves in the right frame of mind, and work on the right things for Dubai, I think we can start the start the competition well. We will get familiar conditions in Pakistan after that. We have not seen any residue from the BPL in the days of training camp so far. Players are looking to get time in the middle, to get into the frame of mind of batting long and bowling in the right areas in 50-over cricket. I don't think it is going to affect them in any way," he further continued.

"He (Najmul) was working very hard when he wasn't playing. We are going to need a strong mental attitude from everyone in the team. I think (Shanto) possesses that, so I look forward to continuing his work. He( Nahid Rana) has looked slower than normal in the last couple of games. The run-up was less than normal approaching the wicket. They got knocked out early so he had a bit of rest. He looked sharp in training yesterday. The pace was coming back. The run-up was as quick as it was in the Caribbean," Simmons concluded.

Bangladesh will depart for the UAE on February 14, where they will play a warm-up match against Pakistan A before beginning their Champions Trophy campaign. Their tournament kicks off against India on February 20, in Dubai, followed by matches against New Zealand and Pakistan in Rawalpindi, on February 24 and 27, respectively.