Many of you think I’m not good enough to be in the team: Hridoy

Bangladesh's 39-run defeat to Ireland in the first T20I in Chattogram raised fresh questions about the team's form, but Tawhid Hridoy's post-match remarks drew just as much attention as his unbeaten 83 off 50 balls.

Hridoy played the best T20I innings of his career, yet it came after Bangladesh had already collapsed to 74 for 8 in their chase of 182. His late runs only narrowed the margin as the hosts ended on 142.

But it was his pointed comments in the press conference that stood out.

Asked whether he wanted to bat higher in the order -- a role he often plays in domestic cricket -- Hridoy delivered a sharp reminder of the scrutiny he faces.

"I don't feel that way. Cricket isn't my game alone. I bat higher in the BPL, but in the national team I play in the middle order. Since this is a team game, there really isn't any spot available to bat higher at the moment. And many of you probably think I'm not even good enough to be in the team. So brother, wherever I am, Alhamdulillah, I'm happy."

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'If we had one big partnership, the game could’ve been different'

During the Asia Cup, Hridoy faced a long run of low scores and heavy scrutiny. A brief return to form against Sri Lanka didn't quiet the doubts for long.

His innings on Friday, though fluent and composed, did not change the match situation. Yet Hridoy appeared unfazed when asked if addressing the media after such a loss was difficult, replying simply, "Not difficult for me."

Bangladesh, now trailing 1–0 in the three-match series, will look for answers ahead of the second match -- but Hridoy made it clear he has already found his own way of handling the noise around him.