As Bangladesh would play most of the matches in overseas ground, a tough challenge is waiting for them considering their poor away performance. However Bangladesh team’s senior member Mahmudullah Riyad believes a good start to the Tri-nation series and bilateral series against Sri Lanka could give the necessary momentum.

Sri Lanka will also be involved in the triangular series in which the other team is Zimbabwe. “New Year always brings new challenge but we are trying to taking our best preparation,” said Riyad. “We know how important those two series is for us. Our team management talks to us about that. The important thing is to start off well. If you start well, you will get the momentum.”

“We know we have lot of series, mostly in abroad coming up. But if we can start the year well at our home ground, it will definitely give us the momentum. So we are eying to have a good start to the year.”

On personal ground, the coming year will also be challenging for Riyad as the team needs him to score with free mind. It is widely believed, the former coach Chandika Hathurusingha’s unnecessary pressure on him took a toll on his mind. And as Hathurusinha isn’t with the team, it’s the time for Riyad to show how he could when he is in the right frame of mind.

At the same time, despite a decade of his career, Riyad’s batting position across the format is yet to be settled. In the last two years itself, his batting position was changed 13/14 times, something a rare scenario for an international cricketer.

Riyad however had no problem with it as he said: “As I said earlier, I always think myself as the team man. Whatever the team needs, and which position the team wants me, I am ready to comply.”

Some days ago, legendary Sri Lankan cricketer Kumar Sangakkara also emphasised on Riyad’s batting position, saying that he could be successful in No.3 position.

“If Sangakkara says so, that means a lot. He is a great cricketer and a getting suggestion from a player like him is valuable. Still team combination is important. So I am ready sacrifice anything for the team combination,” he remarked.

While Hathurusingha’s presence in Sri Lankan dressing room caused a worry for Bangladesh, Riyad said it mattered little if Bangladesh could stick to the plan.

“If we can execute our game plan well, we will be in good position to win the match. Hathurusingha’s knowledge about our strength and weakness is a matter of concern but if we are in the right frame of mind and execute our plan, nothing will be a matter indeed.”