The Rise and Fall of the Tigers: A Tale of Temperament and Transformation

Bangladesh cricket has always been a story of potential—flashes of brilliance interspersed with moments of mediocrity. At their best, the Tigers have roared with the ferocity of a team capable of toppling giants. At their worst, they have crumbled like a sandcastle against the tide. The stark contrast between these two extremes was laid bare during the second Test against Sri Lanka, where Bangladesh succumbed to a disheartening defeat, revealing cracks in their temperament and team spirit. 

Glimpses of the Past: A Team of Fighters 

It wasn’t long ago that Bangladesh displayed a resilience that earned them respect on the world stage. Rewind to Colombo, 2017. Facing a formidable Sri Lankan side, Bangladesh found themselves in a precarious position at 198 for 5, trailing Sri Lanka’s first-innings total. Yet, under Chandika Hathurusingha’s stewardship, the team exhibited a grit that had become their hallmark. 

Shakib Al Hasan’s century, coupled with crucial contributions from Mushfiqur Rahim and a young Mosaddek Hossain, propelled Bangladesh to a lead of 129 runs. The fourth day saw Mustafizur Rahman’s late swing and Shakib’s left-arm spin dismantle the Sri Lankan batting lineup. On the fifth day, despite Rangana Herath’s looming threat, Bangladesh chased down 191 to claim their first Test victory on Sri Lankan soil, leveling the series 1-1. 

Or consider Dhaka, 2016. England, chasing 273 on a turning track, seemed destined for victory at 100 without loss. But a dramatic post-tea collapse, orchestrated by Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shakib, saw the visitors lose ten wickets for just 64 runs. Bangladesh triumphed, showcasing their newfound ability to handle pressure and seize the moment. 

These victories were not just statistical milestones; they were statements of intent, proof that Bangladesh had evolved into a team capable of competing in the longest format. 

The Present: A Team in Disarray 

Fast forward to the present, and the picture is starkly different. The second Test against Sri Lanka in Mirpur was a microcosm of Bangladesh’s current woes. The team collapsed twice—losing five wickets for three runs in the first innings and five for 23 in the second—not due to the brilliance of Sri Lankan bowlers or a devilish pitch, but because of their own lack of application. 

The Mirpur wicket, though challenging, was not unplayable. Sri Lanka’s Roshen Silva provided a masterclass in how to bat on a turning track, employing a straight bat and rotating the strike effectively. Bangladesh’s batsmen, by contrast, succumbed to over-aggressive strokes and poor shot selection, betraying a lack of discipline and temperament. 

Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mominul Haque, and Mahmudullah—all experienced campaigners—failed to adapt to the conditions. Their dismissals were not the result of unplayable deliveries but rather a lack of intent to fight. The collapse was emblematic of a team that has lost its way, playing as individuals rather than a cohesive unit. 

The Chandika Effect: What Was Lost 

Under Chandika Hathurusingha’s guidance, Bangladesh developed a culture of resilience. The team embraced adversity, fought until the last ball, and punched above their weight. Chandika’s departure, however, marked the beginning of a downward spiral. 

Sri Lanka, now under Chandika’s tutelage, displayed the very qualities that Bangladesh once prided themselves on: discipline, composure, and the ability to handle pressure. In the Tri-Nation Series final, Sri Lanka outclassed Bangladesh in all departments, a testament to the impact of strong leadership. 

Bangladesh, meanwhile, appeared rudderless. Their performances in the Test series were riddled with inconsistency, and their inability to handle pressure was glaringly evident. The Tigers, once a symbol of tenacity, now resemble a team that surrenders meekly in the face of adversity. 

Temperament: The Missing Ingredient 

At the heart of Bangladesh’s decline lies a fragile temperament. Cricket, like any sport, is as much a mental battle as it is a physical one. A winning mindset—the belief that victory is possible even in the direst circumstances—is crucial. 

In recent times, Bangladesh’s approach has oscillated between defensive caution and reckless abandon, with little middle ground. Their performances lack the professionalism and maturity that once defined them. The result is a team that appears more like a collection of schoolboys than seasoned professionals. 

The Road Ahead: Rebuilding the Roar 

The think tank of Bangladesh cricket faces a daunting task. Fixing the team’s fragile temperament will require more than technical adjustments; it will demand a cultural shift. 

First, the team needs strong leadership—both on and off the field. A coach with the ability to instil discipline and foster a fighting spirit is essential. Second, the players must take responsibility for their performances, learn from their mistakes and adapt to different situations. Finally, the focus must shift from individual brilliance to collective effort. 

Bangladesh has shown in the past that they have the talent and the tenacity to compete with the best. But talent alone is not enough. To roar again, the Tigers must rediscover the resilience and unity that once made them a force to be reckoned with. 

Only then can they hope to rise from the ashes of their current struggles and reclaim their place as a team that fights, rather than folds, under pressure. 

Thank You

Faisal Caesar