Mushtaq Ahmed, head coach of the Bangladesh Test cricket team, remains resolute in his belief in the squad’s potential, despite the hurdles they face. Drawing a parallel between the team and a tree, he emphasized that just as a tree doesn’t grow overnight but flourishes with care, so too must the Bangladesh team be nurtured to achieve success. However, after 24 years since the team’s inception, questions arise about whether enough time and resources have been invested in their development.

As Bangladesh navigates its second Test against South Africa, the team finds itself in a precarious position. Following a staggering 575-run first innings declaration from the Proteas, Bangladesh were left reeling at 38 runs for the loss of four wickets, with three days of play still remaining. The situation is critical, prompting discussions about the team’s inability to transition from a struggling outfit to a competitive side.

Mushtaq, however, remains optimistic, stating, “Can you grow a tree in a day? Keep watering it, keep believing that as a gardener. Sometimes we have to believe that first, as coaches. You can’t grow a tree in a day. This tree will soon or later will show you how much shed and fruit they can give you.” His comments reflect a persistent faith in the team's development, even in the face of ongoing challenges.

Despite Mushtaq's unwavering confidence, observers note a lack of progress in the team’s growth, likening it to a tree struggling to thrive despite extensive care. He reiterated, “This game is about belief. Understanding the situation quickly is essential. I believe they can turn things around. They played well in the Pakistan series, winning despite being 26 runs down for six wickets. I’m sorry for repeating myself, but this demonstrates that they can bounce back.”

As the team faces relentless pressure and scrutiny, the question remains whether they can convert Mushtaq’s faith into tangible results. With the team often reduced to ashes under formidable opponents, Mushtaq continues to pour encouragement and resources into their development.

“Even in this situation, I believe they can become a strong team capable of challenging any opponent. Just look at the T20 World Cup and the Pakistan series. If they follow the right processes, the Bangladesh team will grow into a formidable side,” he asserted.