“A wounded tiger is a dangerous beast”

A lot of the talk and concern about Bangladesh’s must-win World Cup encounter against India has been about batsman Mahmudullah Riyad’s injury and his potential availability.

But there are other players in the Bangladesh camp playing, while carrying injuries, battling through the pain. 

Mashrafe Bin Mortaza: The inspirational captain has been carrying a hamstring injury since May 17 and according to team physio Thihan Chandramohan, it felt like a grade 2 tear. But Mashrafe has refused to get a scan done and will play as long as he can walk. His bowling has been affected because of this, as he is playing with a short run-up and his fielding has also suffered as a result.

Tamim Iqbal: The left-handed opener showed last year in the Asia Cup match against Sri Lanka, that a fractured wrist was not going to stop him from coming back and batting with one hand, if necessary. He had a knock on his left hand ahead of Bangladesh’s tournament opener against South Africa. X-rays showed that there was no fracture and he has played every game this campaign. 

Shakib Al Hasan: Arguably the man-of-the-tournament had spent a long time on the treatment table last year with a broken finger and then an infection on that finger, which almost put his World Cup availability in danger. The world’s best all-rounder has had back spasms ahead of the tournament which prompted him to miss the final of the tri-nation series in May, against West Indies and hosts Ireland. 

Mushfiqur Rahim: The wicketkeeper-batsman has been recovering from a long standing rib injury. The man who has scored a century against Australia and was also a top scorer in the last game against Afghanistan, also got hit on his fingers during nets, ahead of the West Indies game. 

Mahmudullah Riyad: The right-handed batsman has been carrying a shoulder injury even before the tournament started and that has rendered him unable to bowl. Even a few days ago he was on crutches, but he has recovered well enough to take part in the game against India.

Others: Apart from the big five, Mohammad Saifuddin missed the Australia game with a back injury and there have been reports of him having to take painkillers ahead of a few matches. 

Mosaddek Hossain Saikat also missed that match against Australia due to injury.

Medhidy Hasan Miraz got hit by a cricket ball on the head while giving an interview during the net session Bangladesh had on the eve of the Afghanistan game, but was cleared of concussion.

Whatever the condition some of these players may be in, it is sure that some of the big names won’t be at a hundred percent. 

But that is the level of determination and focus that some of the senior members of the team have shown during the tournament - they will play at any cost and look to give it their best in the remaining matches.

They have two more group games left, both against sub-continental rivals, both of which they must win to have a hope of making the semi-finals.

When push comes to shove and with the senior Tigers carrying a few wounds, they can become dangerous and be at their absolute best.