Sohan emphasizes on fearless brand of cricket in T20 format

Dhaka, 24 July -Nurul Hasan Sohan, who was appointed as the Bangladesh's T20 captain for the upcoming Zimbabwe series wants his side to stay positive and fearless always whatever the situation is.

The term 'fearless brand of cricket' is always a thing a new captain of
Bangladesh loves to say in his first official press conference but never they materialized it on the ground when it mattered most.

Sohan, a cricketer nearing his 30 had already led his domestic club Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club and National Cricket League (NCL) team Khulna Division to many glories but knew well that the International cricket is a different entity, specially for Bangladesh in T20 cricket, a format in which they still remain extremely vulnerable.

So as he appeared in his first official press conference as captain after being late for 40 minutes, he did not show much excitement. Rather, he said about being busy with hard work, about being tough mentally on the ground.

"It (captaincy) is definitely a matter of pride. But I am thinking about the challenges ahead. There is no chance to show your excitement. I think the main goal is to give our best as a team," he said here today.

A regular captain in domestic circuit, Sohan has a DPL and NCL title under his belt. He is seen to lead the side in aggressive fashion, which earned much plaudits.

Aggressive cricketers are expected to be aggressive captains. But Sohan's focus is on bringing out good results by bringing a healthy culture to the team.

"Whenever I have captained domestic cricket, I always want us to play as a team. Of course the aim will be to play as a team in Zimbabwe. The main thing that is important to me... is to have a good team ambiance. Not everyone will perform every day. We who will be 14-15 cricketers in the team, let them enjoy each other's success. This culture and playing as a team is important to me," he added.

Although Bangladesh has improved continuously in ODIs, it is lagging behind in Tests and T20Is. Having been with the national team for six years, almost as stop-gap basis, Sohan knows the environment of the team very closely.

As an overnight improvement is not possible in T20 cricket, the new captain insists on keeping his work process right.

"'We are lagging behind ODIs in Tests and T20s. I think it's important to improve. That's what we're trying to do. That's why the process is important.

I will try to follow the process rather than the result or outcome. Playing as a team in this series is crucial," he remarked.

The wicketkeeper batsman is not flying in the sky after getting the
captaincy. His place in the team is not yet clear but the pressure of
captaincy is on his shoulders. Managing the team properly, bringing results, planning, managing teammates are all part of his job now. And Sohan, a soft-spoken guy outside but much talkative on the ground, looked absolutely upbeat to do this job properly.

"If I talk about my personal life, whether it's cricket or anything else... I have very low expectations," Sohan said.

"I want to keep myself very casual and stress-free despite the increased responsibilities. Or the excitement is less for me. What is important to me is that I will work hard myself, follow the process, be honest with myself. I don't care much about results, future or past."

Bangladesh will leave the country for Zimbabwe on July 26 to play three T20 International and as many ODIs. The three T20 matches are scheduled for July 30, 31 and August 2 while the three ODIs, which Bangladesh will play under Tamim Iqbal's captaincy will be held on August 5, 7 and 10. All of the matches will be taken place at Harare Sports Club.