IND vs BAN: We will surely have the belief that we can win, says Shanto

In 13 attempts, Bangladesh have never managed to beat India in a Test and have, in fact, only managed to avoid defeat twice. 

But, skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto has asserted that, this time around, the Tigers will walk into the two-Test series against India with a firm belief that they can secure victory.

The reason for this new-found self belief? Bangladesh’s stunning 2-0 triumph away in Pakistan, which has now given the side the belief that they have it in them to beat any team, anywhere.

"The next time we play, I don't know about the result, but we will surely have the belief that we can win,” Shanto told ESPNcricinfo.

“I said the same thing in the press conference on the first day [when asked about Bangladesh's dismal record in Pakistan] that records are meant to be broken.

"It was from my belief after seeing how hard the players worked. The way they showed hunger for the team, it gave me the belief. Results can vary in these situations. If we can stick to this process, work hard, we can do even better."

The whitewash of Pakistan was only the third series win for Bangladesh in Tests away from home, and their second in a series consisting of two or more Tests. Shanto asserted that the triumph away in Pakistan will now serve as a ‘reference point’ for the team down the line.

"It feels great when you are winning. It is important to enjoy these moments. I think such a moment has never come in Bangladesh team's history. Cricketers look for references. Now we have one. We know that we have the ability to win abroad,” Shanto said.

Bangladesh skipper put down the series win against Pakistan down to two things: teamwork and immense self-belief.

"In the past, we have had many individual performances in the team. This time, every player contributed to the team's exact requirement. They thought about the team first. They were only worried about the team. Nobody looked for personal milestones,” the Bangladesh skipper said.

The two-Test series between India and Bangladesh will kick-off at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on September 19.

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