‘We will trust our process’

Almost two years on, Rakibul is now set to lead Bangladesh in the upcoming U-19 Asia Cup and World Cup. Before leaving for these tournaments, Rakibul Hasan spoke with The Business Post’s Shams Rahman about his goals, preparations and what it meant to go to the World Cup as the defending champion

After playing a key part with the ball in hand in the 2020 Under-19 World Cup, Rakibul Hasan hit the winning runs against India in the final that handed Bangladesh their first-ever U-19 World Cup title.

TBP: How important was the triangular series win in India?

Rakibul: It was very important because winning a tournament in India before the Asia Cup and the World Cup has given us a massive boost in confidence, which will do us great help going forward.

TBP: How did it feel to take the trophy from someone like Sourav Ganguly?

Rakibul Hasan: I feel really, really lucky to take the trophy from a legend like him. He congratulated us, and it was the feel-good moments.

TBP: What will be your target for the Asia Cup? 

Rakibul: We are thinking match-by-match. We will trust our process. If we can apply that to the pitch, execute our plans, I believe we can go to the World Cup with a good result.

TBP: For the first time, Bangladesh are going to the U-19 World Cup as defending Champions. You were a key part of that team, and also hit the winning runs in the final. This time you are the captain. What will be your target in the tournament as a team?

Rakibul: It is a very good feeling to go to the tournament as the defending champions. As I said, we will try to follow our process and play good cricket, so we can bring back good results from these two tournaments.

TBP: No specific target for the tournaments then?

Rakibul: As I said, we are focusing on the Asia Cup. Then, we will plan for something big at the World Cup.

TBP: On a personal level, what do you want to achieve at the World Cup?

Rakibul: I always say that I am happy if I can contribute enough to the team victory. I have a personal goal, but let’s keep that to myself for the time being. If I can execute it, then it will be something great.

TBP: How do you feel about this team? Are they as good as the previous team?

Rakibul: The previous team was very good. This team is also great either. But what I think is this team has a few more all-rounders. So, we are hopeful of playing a good cricket and bring about a good result.

TBP: Last time, before going to the World Cup, you played a lot of matches. This time, due to Covid-19, you could not. What would you say about your preparations?

Rakibul: Because of Covid-19, we could not play a few series. But look, in the past few months, we played a home series against Afghanistan, then another series in Sri Lanka and then the triangular series in India. I won’t say that there is lack of preparation. We are well-prepared. We tried our best within the Covid-19 situation to prepare ourselves for the tournaments. But then again, just as our preparations were hampered because of Covid-19, so was that for other teams too. In that context, we are pretty well-prepared. Hopefully, we will be able to play well at the Asia Cup and gain good experience for the World Cup.

TBP: On a personal note, a few of your teammates have made it to the national team, some are waiting on the bench. Does it disappoint you that you are still playing at the U-19 level?

Rakibul: I have no frustration about that. I feel happy that my friends, my teammates are playing for the national team. I pray for them to do well. I have no regret because there is a right time for everybody. I am waiting for my opportunity. When I will get my chance, I will try my level best.

TBP: When do you see yourself at the national team?

Rakibul: I am currently just thinking about the upcoming tournaments with the U-19 team where I really want to do well. If I play well in the domestic cricket circuit, I will definitely get a chance. So, I am just focusing on my game.