The rise of the Tigers!

This year promises to be a blockbuster year for cricket. Unlike other years, cricket pundits don’t have to use clichés to describe what we have for store in 2009. Its ekdum real-2009 is going to be a hell of a ride for cricket fans across the globe. Race for the No.1 Test side, IPL 2nd season, World T20, Ashes, Champions League, Champions Trophy-what more could one ask for. Indeed we have a variety of delicacies to choose from the menu. 

But I would like to focus on one particular team-Bangladesh. Ya, you have read it right-Bangladesh of all teams. I have to confess that I have always been a supporter of any cricketing minnow. Inspite of all the brickbats they receive from all quarters, they have shown glimpses of form in 2008. And my guess is that 2009 will be a good year for the Tigers. Last year, they challenged New Zealand in the first Test before Vettori kept his nerve to deny the Bangladeshis a Test win. They also performed well in patches against Sri Lanka. The year has begun on good note for Bangladesh. They wasted a golden opportunity to win the tri- series even after reducing the Lankans to 6-5. However, amidst all the gloom, there is a bright star for Bangladesh. Shakib al Hasan is a tremendous talent and is surely a star of the future, not only for Bangladesh but also for world cricket. He is a genuine all rounder. His heroics with the bat and ball go unnoticed as he plays from Bangladesh. One wonders what he could have done had he played for a more competitive side. I am Indian, and cricket fans in India cannot watch live action from Bangladesh thanks to Neo Cricket- which does not broadcast their matches despite holding the rights. They don't have a busy 2009.They are to host West Indies later this year and therein lies their best chance to win a Test against a quality side. I expect them to topple 1 or maybe 2 big sides in the World T20.They will definitely go to round 2 in the world T20. They must show signs of consistency against the big teams. They will certainly grow in stature and the Tigers may roar at last!