"If we want to be a good team, we need to continue the form we've had in the last two months," the 50-year-old Australian said during a press conference at the Bangabandhu National Stadium prior to the team's departure for Mumbai yesterday.

The BCB XI will take on Sourav Ganguly's East Zone in their first encounter that begins from February 22 in Jaipur and then face Mohammad Kaif's Central Zone in Nagpur from March 1.

Following the historic home series victory against Zimbabwe last month, there was now high expectation whenever any Bangladesh cricket team left for abroad.

"Certainly expectation is high especially after the recent performance of the national side. So, the boys are under a bit of pressure to maintain the success," added Whatmore, who is accompanying a second string Bangladesh side for the first time.

The Bangladesh coach also thought the tournament would assist the national selectors ahead of the Tigers' maiden tour of England in May.

"It's nice to hear that some Bangladesh A team boys are performing very well in Zimbabwe. Now another strong side is going to take part in the Indian first-class competition," he said without elaborating.

Leading any Bangladesh selection for the first time in his career, gifted batsman Mohammad Ashraful told newsmen that he had no idea about his opponents in the competition.

"I only know the name of each captain. But I think it is not a major factor knowing who your opponents are because we've already faced some top Indian players when they toured here. This is a unique opportunity for us to prove ourselves," said the 20-year-old right-hander who scored a magnificent 158 not out in the second Test at Chittagong.

Meanwhile, chairman of the BCB media committee Reazuddin Al Mamun said that WorldTel was sponsoring the team by providing Tk five lakh.