Bangladesh will try to surprise India by portraying themselves as underdogs: Nikhil Chopra

Even after winning two out of their three games in the ongoing T20 World Cup, Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan is not ready to call themselves the favourites to win the tournament. In fact, on the eve of their match against India, the 35-year-old’s statement that Bangladesh are not here to win the trophy has caused quite a controversy on social media. 

However, former India international Nikhil Chopra feels that the Bangla Tigers are just downplaying themselves and will try to surprise India by portraying themselves as the underdogs. 

“First and foremost, given Bangladesh’s history, I think the captain should only think of winning the World Cup trophy. I think they are trying to portray themselves as the underdogs to surprise team India. If you remember, Kane Williamson before the World Test Championship too said that India are a good side, we will try to do our best. So, I think they are creating an environment as such to surprise the opponent,” said Nikhil Chopra on 'BatBricks7 presents Run Ki Runneeti' show on CricTracker.

Habibul Bashar reveals Shakib’s message to the players

Former Bangladesh skipper Habibul Bashar is aware of India’s strength but is confident that the current batch of Bangladesh cricketers has the ability to beat the Men in Blue in ODI and T20I cricket. 

“I know exactly what Shakib said in the dressing room and it is exactly what Nikhil said. He said that yes, if you look at the stats, then India is way ahead, India has got better players but it’s not that Bangladesh hasn’t beaten India before.

Bangladesh has beaten India in this format except for Test matches, Bangladesh have beaten India in every format. Not regularly but they have done it before. It means, they can do it again. It is difficult as India is in super form but anything is possible in T20 cricket,” said the 50-year-old on the same show.

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