Tamim Iqbal labels India as favourites in the Nidahas Trophy

Ahead of the Nidahas Trophy which is scheduled begin from March 6 at R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Sri Lanka, left-handed Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal has labeled India as favorites to win the tournament.

Even though India is stepping into the tournament without most of their main players, the new look squad is expected to give the opponents a run for their money after talented youngsters have been rewarded with a call-up after consistently good performances in the domestic level.

“India is favorites, they are in great form. This format [T20Is] is so interesting that the game can change at any moment,” said Tamim when he was asked regarding who are the favorites to win the tri-nation T20 tournament.

Bangladesh has been going through a tough time in recent times as they were thrashed by Sri Lanka in both the recently concluded Test and T20 series. However, Iqbal is hopeful about a strong comeback from his side.

Just one win away from overturning the fortunes

“I and everyone in the team believe that we are just one win away from getting out of this place (bad run of form),” said a hopeful Tamim Iqbal, as reported by bdcrictime.

He further added, “We tend to get panicked every time. We just lost one series and I think we are panicking. We have to stop this.”

Since their skipper and star all-rounder, Shakib Al Hasan has been ruled out, Mahmudullah will be leading the troops. Along with him, Tamim will have to play a major role in the side’s campaign.  The stand-in captain had finished second in the run-getters list in the T20is against Sri Lanka and will be a key player in their batting order in this series. The presence of the run-machine Tamim Iqbal also comes as an assurance for the side. Bangladesh will play their first match in the Nidahas Trophy on March 8 against India.