Former Trinidadian leg-spinner and two-time T20 world champion Samuel Badree has expressed his views on Bangladesh’s recent surge in the shortest format. Badree highlighted Bangladesh’s enhanced bowling depth and the emergence of Rishad Hossain as key factors in their progress. However, he noted that Bangladesh still lacks the finishing power required to compete with the top teams globally.
Speaking to The Daily Star, Badree shared insights on various aspects, including Bangladesh’s advancements, West Indies’ struggles against spin, and the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup. The seasoned 44-year-old, who has experience playing in Bangladesh and is now engaging as a commentator for the ongoing white-ball series, discussed his observations and opinions.
Badree commended Rishad Hossain’s growth and control as a bowler, emphasizing the need for additional variations in his game to elevate his performance further. Regarding Bangladesh’s potential in the World Cup, Badree acknowledged their recent successes and familiarity with conditions but maintained that their ability to go all the way remains to be seen.
Analyzing West Indies’ T20 performance, Badree recognized their challenges against spin and highlighted the need for improved batting approach and clarity on death-over bowlers. He emphasized the importance of finding a balance between aggressive stroke play and building innings to post competitive totals.
Reflecting on the upcoming T20 World Cup in India, Badree tempered expectations for the West Indies, emphasizing the changes in the team composition over the years. He stressed the importance of defining a clear roadmap for success and assigning roles to players to enhance competitiveness against top teams.
When asked about his future plans, Badree expressed interest in both commentary and coaching roles, enjoying the different perspectives and impacts each offers. He stated a willingness to engage in coaching whenever called upon, emphasizing his enjoyment of both avenues equally.