India series tough, but winning not impossible: Saqibul

Dhaka, May 8 (UNI) The confidence was evident and so the pride, when talented Bangladesh all-rounder Saqibul Hasan called the exploits in the World Cup a thing of the past and hoped to win the ODI series against India if they played to their potential.

At 20, Saqibul knows the potential the young Bangladesh side has and makes no bones in expressing that they have the ''fire and desire'' to prove themselves before the home crowd.

One of the lynchpins of the Bangladeshi side and a member of the off-spinning trio that made India do their homework before flying across the border, Saqibul said, ''As our captain says we can win the series if we play to our potential.'' Asked about the kind of planning for the home series that the team underwent, the left-hand bat said, ''There is no gameplan as such. We are concentrating n our strengths and trying to eliminate our weaknesses.'' ''We have had a good World Cup campaign, but we are aware that it is a thing of the past. We know the upcoming series is very important and the guys are good to win it for their country,'' he said.

While admitting that there would be pressure on the team to perform, he said, ''We are used to it. It is part of international cricket and we are not worrying too much about that.'' Saqibul was talking to the media after a longish practice session during which he batted and bowled at the nets under the watchful eyes of coach Dav Whatmore.

Quizzed on the fact that the Indian team had done their homework for the spinners, he said, ''Homework is always good. But we are thinking more about ourselves than our opposition. It's about how much we can give or how better we can perform. And if doing homework was everything then every country would work on another and win. ODI is all about which team plays better on that particular day.'' Then he went on to add that he was his own inspiration and didn't spent much time planning.

''I play according to the demands of the team. If they require me to be sedate I'm, if they need me to hit out, I do that. It all depends on the necessity of the team.'' Saqibul notched up a masterly 53 to see Bangladesh through against India in the World Cup.

On the mood at the camp, he said, ''It's quite buoyant.

Boys are very happy with the way things have gone. Every good game you play is an inspiration and the boys are taking courage from the previous matches.'' On Whatmore's last assignment before he leaves, the newest star on Bangladesh cricket's horizon said, ''We would like to give him a memorable farewell. If we can win it will indeed be good and befitting.'' UNI