World Cup 2023: 'Excited to test our skills against India,' says Bangladesh assistant coach Nic Pothas

Nic Pothas, Bangladesh’s assistant coach, has termed India as the “best team in the world” and said that it would provide the best opportunity for his players  to test their skills against the Men in Blue in the 2023 Cricket World Cup.

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Bangladesh take on the two-time champions in the league stage match in Pune on 19 October.

While India, who are currently playing Pakistan in Ahmedabad, have two wins from as many matches so far, Bangladesh have managed just one win in three matches, and sixth in the points table. While they began their campaign with a six-wicket win over Afghanistan, the Tigers have suffered heavy defeats to England and New Zealand.

“Where do I start? They are the best team in the world, and they are in their own conditions. From our point of view, it’s exciting to be able to test our skills against the best,” Pothas told reporters after Bangladesh’s defeat to the Black Caps on Friday.

“We have a good rest, because the games here at the World Cup come thick and fast with high pressure, and these games take a lot out of you,” he added.

The former South Africa cricketer said that it was important to give players physical and mental rest before the game against the tournament hosts.

“The danger is you might think more practice helps, but it does not. We will be giving the players a good amount of mental and physical rest while preparing to play against India,” continued Pothas.

Reflecting on the defeat to New Zealand, Pothas said the players needed to put their best foot forward.

“When you are playing against high-quality attacks, you have to be at your game; there’s no time. Also, there’s no freedom to be able to find your game,” the 49-year-old added.