Bangladesh's assistant coach, Nic Pothas, has shared an unusual reason for the team’s lack of six-hitting ability in the recent T20I series against India.
While acknowledging the team’s ongoing efforts to improve power-hitting, Pothas pointed out a genetic difference between Indian and Bangladeshi players.
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His comments came after Bangladesh struggled throughout the series, suffering a 3-0 whitewash at the hands of India. One of the main concerns for Bangladesh was their inability to clear the boundary. Over the three matches, India smashed 44 sixes, while Bangladesh managed only 12.
What did Nic Pothas say addressing the issue?
Nic Pothas spoke to the media before the third T20I, shedding light on the team’s struggles. According to him, the Indian players were much stronger physically, giving them an advantage in hitting sixes.
He said that while Bangladesh is working on their strength and conditioning, genetics cannot be ignored.
"They have much stronger players. We are working on our strength and conditioning, but you can’t fight genetics. If one player weighs 95-100 kg and another is 65 kg, naturally the heavier player will hit the ball further. Of course, timing and technique are important, and we are constantly working on those aspects,” said Nic Pothas in the pre-match press conference.
He also said that Indian players benefit from playing in the Indian Premier League, which prepares them for international cricket. He compared the power-hitting ability of Indian players to those of West Indian cricketers.
“The IPL prepares players for the international stage. Comparing India’s six-hitting with ours is like comparing how many sixes the West Indies hit compared to us,” he added.
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Pothas has pointed to genetics as a factor for the lack of six-hitting abilities within the team, but he also highlighted that the team is working hard to improve. With a young squad still finding their footing in international cricket, Bangladesh has room to grow and develop their skills further.
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