Mahmudullah on T20 World Cup: 'Playing well but losing doesn't quite have the same effect as actually winning'
The captain looks back on his, and his side's, recent success and talks about his plans for and expectations from the World Cup
I am expecting the pitches in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to be a bit more batting-friendly and sporting that the ones we have played on. I think there, the batsmen have to take a bit more responsibility. To that end, there can't be any fear of failure. We have to set ourselves free. We have to be aggressive in whatever we do.
The World Cup got postponed because of Covid-19. We were frustrated staying away from cricket for so long. But now we are back on track. We are playing all formats regularly. I think it was very important to play these three series before the World Cup. I must thank the BCB for organising them despite the speculations and restrictions [around hosting matches].
I enjoy being responsible. I like this challenge. I think it brings the best out in me. Sometimes the bowler knows exactly what they are going to bowl. But when they are confused about it, I tell them to leave it to me. "I will set the field; you just bowl," I say to them. It gives them the confidence to just bowl according to the field, and not worry too much.
(Laughs) I try to be as calm as possible in every situation. I think it helps in better decision-making, especially in pressure situation. I am sure I get emotional. I also get angry. But I try to be calm. As the leader, I can't be confused, it will affect the other players. There should always be a calm atmosphere in the team.
"When I am batting with Shakib and Mushfiq, they know how I operate, and I know which bowlers they will attack. It comes from playing with each other for a long time. My communication with them is less verbal"
Definitely, for yourself and for the team.
Two things stood out for me. There's healthy competition in the team, and there's a lot of hunger to win. I think our body language since the Zimbabwe tour, right through the series against Australia and New Zealand, gives that message. I think our desire to improve ourselves and maintain our home dominance has made a huge difference.
It is Allah's rahmat (blessing). Those were difficult conditions for both sets of batsmen. It wasn't just difficult for our opponents. We saw two bowling-dominated series because of the conditions. I think our batsmen applied themselves slightly better. It was especially difficult to bat against the new ball. Openers and Nos. 3 and 4 struggled on both sides. But as the seam of the ball gets older, it gets easier.
I have always given equal importance to all three formats. I previously told you about the training camp in Khulna back in 2016, ahead of that year's T20 World Cup - it was under [coach Chandika] Hathurusingha. It shifted my training and playing method. It had a positive impact on my batting.
It is crucial that the captain leads his side by example. It is important for the captain to set the standard for the team and his team-mates. At the same time, the captain has to appreciate small contributions by everyone, on the field and off it. A captain must acknowledge it so that everyone feels they have the same value as other players.
During the pandemic, we can only be at three or four places together, so we spend most of the time in the dining room or at the gym. We speak to each other. Like, when I am at the gym, I talk to Mustafiz, Taskin [Ahmed] or Shoriful. We discuss about certain points from the game, about bowling in certain situations. All of us give our views, and then we take the appropriate step next time we are in the field, in a pressure situation. I think this is the only positive side to living in a bio-bubble, which is otherwise quite tough.
"When the bowling unit is helping us win, why is their credit being taken away? I really didn't appreciate it"
Certainly not. Being a family man, I miss my family a lot. I have often toured with my family. There's little scope of that these days. Everyone misses their family. It is necessary that we appreciate each other's work and their views. It keeps everyone motivated.
I don't see any difference. Everyone is very helpful and cooperative. We appreciate each other. There's no worry about these things. I think the youngsters are more responsible these days, regarding their fitness, preparation and practice. It is good to see.
They are two of the most experienced players in Bangladesh. They are always helping out. For a team to do well, these things are important. For example, [if] I am making a bowling change, Shakib might suggest that I bring him on from the other end. Mushfiq also offers advice. They come up on their own. They feel comfortable doing it. I really appreciate it.
When I am batting with Shakib and Mushfiq, they know how I operate, and I know which bowlers they will attack. It comes from playing with each other for a long time. My communication with them is less verbal. It is more about knowing how each other feel and what we want to do. But when I am batting with Afif, [Mohammad] Naim or Sohan, I might need to talk to them. I may have to remind them when to charge the bowlers in a certain situation. Maybe I will mention to them that we may need to delay our charge, or take risks against a particular bowler.
"Sometimes the bowler knows exactly what they are going to bowl. But when they are confused about it, I tell them to leave it to me. 'I will set the field; you just bowl,' I say to them. It gives them the confidence to just bowl according to the field"
I agree that the pitches and conditions were bowling-friendly. It was difficult for the batsmen. But it was difficult for our batsmen, too. It wasn't as if the pitch became a batting paradise when we went out to bat. When the bowling unit is helping us win, why is their credit being taken away? I really didn't appreciate it.
Mohammad Isam is ESPNcricinfo's Bangladesh correspondent. @isam84