The T20 period, in which matches can be completely turned upside down by an unbelievable over or two of power hitting, means that every team aims to have batsmen within their squads who can, while sitting comfortably just a few yards inside the boundary rope, aim for the moon. Bangladesh has had some great batsmen, but they have never produced any of these lineups with any genuine power hitters. Supporters tend to question whether there is an absolute lack of raw talent, a technique issue, or something in the background with respect to this. The answer could be a reflection of the players, but it could also be the actual facilities and grounds that they practice on.
The Infrastructure Conundrum
Bangladesh’s cricketing infrastructure and pathways have been in question for a number of years when it comes to preparing players for the modern T20 format of the game. The Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur hosts international matches and is a readily visible pride point; however, the practice facilities behind the scenes speak a different narrative. A lot of young aspiring cricketers do not have the opportunity to own their timing or strength on high-quality wickets, which limits their power hitting as the action progresses.
This difference can be observed by comparing the situations afforded to elite players as opposed to those who are still learning in the development phase. Most young cricketers do not get the opportunity to regularly practice on stadium-like pitches, which means they haven’t got the context through which to repeatedly practice how to clear the boundary.
Evolution in Batting Approach
Even with these structural complications, there has been a marked mental shift in the Bangladeshi batting. Over the years, the team has increasingly adopted a more aggressive batting goal in T20 innings, leading them to value big hitting – or risk-taking – over grinding it out.
Power hitting is more than just hitting the ball hard – it involves timing, technique, and muscle memory, all of which are developed through quality practice under the best possible circumstances. Without having quality infrastructure, it’s much harder to develop these components, and as such, consistent power hitting becomes an anomaly rather than the norm in the Bangladesh squad.
Balancing Infrastructure and Talent
There is no doubt that Bangladesh has players with talent and the potential for explosive batting. However, talent and potential mean nothing when it is not accompanied by decent pitches, gym facilities, and practice opportunities. With money being spent on better pitches, gym facilities, and targeted training schemes, the country may be able to produce explosive power hitters more often.
It’s just as relevant to identify budding nature hitters early on and to provide separate coaching as required. If our emerging talents had access to excellent practice environments, experienced coaching, and were shown how to hit the longer ball with confidence, it could help to build a pipeline of players who weren’t afraid to take the game deep, hitting the ball bigger and longer and making the most of their opportunities.
FAQs
- Why does Bangladesh struggle with power hitting in T20 cricket?
Lack of access to quality practice facilities and infrastructure limits the development of consistent power hitters.
- Is talent the main issue for Bangladesh’s power hitters?
No, the talent exists, but it is often restricted by subpar training conditions and limited resources.
- How does infrastructure affect a player’s ability to hit sixes?
Proper pitches, practice wickets, and training facilities are crucial for developing timing, technique, and power.
