'Don't believe in heroism'

The Kangra airport in Himachal Pradesh of India is not one of those airports where you can find frantic activities. The gateway of a tourist destination typically sports a laid-back air for most of the day. But on Monday afternoon it was brimming with activity with the arrival of the Bangladesh cricket team on a special SpiceJet aircraft.

The moment the Tigers disembarked from the propeller-driven plane, they showed little sign of any jetlag, and more importantly weariness, after Sunday night's absorbing Asia Cup final against India.

“It's a bit hectic, but not that much. Professionally you need to get ready wherever you go and whenever you play,” said Bangladesh batsman Mahmudullah Riyad while speaking to reporters at the airport.

The right-hander, who is going through a purple patch batting at number six or seven, also said that his quick-fire knock of 33 might have given his side a good total in the previous night's final but it was a tad disappointing to lose the final.

“It was a bit of disappointment. It was a very good opportunity for us [against India]. The way we played in the tournament, I think it was a big step forward for us,” said the technically compact batsman whose late thrust is something new from a batsman who has given new meaning to the term power-hitting, a different skill in the Tigers' batting line-up.

Sporting a black sunglass and with a mischievous smile on his face, Riyad outright rejected the idea of heroism that has been doing the rounds involving him ever since the World Cup last year, when he struck two magnificent back-to-back hundreds.

“I don't believe in heroism. I always try to contribute to my team and that's what I want,” he said, adding that he wanted to continue with his different role in the coming ICC World T20, where the Tigers will have to go through the qualifying phase for a place in the Super Ten.

Asked if he would have an eye on scoring a century in the shortest version of the game, the soft-spoken batsman was more inclined to look at ground realities.

“You never know but it's difficult to score 100 from six or seven. It's a different format and at the moment I'm really enjoying my role in the team. I think our sessions in Khulna and Chittagong really helped me mentally. I'm scoring at the moment. But it might also be the case that I will get out to the first ball I face,” added Riyad.

He also snubbed the notion that Bangladesh are a team only good at home.

“I don't think we are good at home only. We are now a good team capable of performing anywhere,” said the confident batsman.

When asked how he is going to take the three qualifying games against Ireland, Holland and Oman in Dharamsala, especially after playing the Asia Cup final, he said: “From a mental perspective I want to take those games as build-up for the World Cup”.

He signed off from the impromptu press briefing, addressing some pressing issues.

“Hopefully, we will be at the ground tomorrow (Tuesday) morning. We know it's cold here in January. I think the weather is good at the moment and we will play our first game [against the Netherlands tomorrow] during the day. So, the next two days are important for us.”