Bangladesh’s Rising Star: Mehidy Hasan Miraz Poised to Succeed Shakib Al Hasan

Bangladesh cricket has recently experienced a surge in confidence following their historic test series win against Pakistan. This victory has provided the team with a significant morale boost as they prepare for their next formidable challenge: facing India at home. The importance of this series cannot be overstated, as India is one of the top teams in the world, known for their formidable lineup and strategic prowess. To succeed against such a strong opponent, Bangladesh will rely heavily on their star player, Shakib Al Hasan. However, the team’s head coach, Chandika Hathurusingha, has expressed confidence in another player who could potentially fill Shakib’s shoes when he eventually retires. This player is none other than Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who has shown remarkable improvement and versatility, making him a key asset for the team.

Shakib Al Hasan’s contributions to Bangladesh cricket are legendary. With 69 test matches under his belt, he has taken 242 wickets and scored 4543 runs, making him an invaluable all-rounder. However, his appearances in red-ball cricket have decreased in recent years due to his participation in T20 tournaments around the world. Despite this, Shakib continues to perform well whenever he dons the Bangladesh jersey, as evidenced by his stint with the Surrey County Cricket Club, where he excelled with both bat and ball. His skill, experience, and adaptability make him a cornerstone of the team, allowing for greater flexibility in team selection, whether the strategy calls for an extra bowler or batter.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz has been earmarked by Hathurusingha as a potential successor to Shakib. Over the past few years, Mehidy has made significant strides in his game, particularly in his batting. In the recent series against Pakistan, he was named Player of the Series for his exceptional performance, which included taking five wickets and scoring two half-centuries. Batting at number eight, Mehidy demonstrated his ability to contribute crucial runs, but he has made it clear that he does not want to be confined to the lower order. His ambition is to move up the batting order and establish himself as one of the best all-rounders in the world.

Mehidy’s desire to avoid being pigeonholed as a lower-order batsman stems from the pressure associated with that position. Since his debut in 2016, he has scored the most runs at number eight, along with Jason Holder. This accomplishment motivates him to aspire for higher-order performances. Mehidy believes that his contribution with the bat is increasing, and it feels great to see his hard work and practice yielding consistent results. He acknowledges that achieving success as an all-rounder requires dedication and perseverance over a long period, but he is confident in his abilities and is determined to become the best all-rounder one day.

The upcoming series against India presents a significant challenge for Mehidy and the Bangladesh team. Following their clean sweep against Pakistan, the team is in a positive frame of mind and ready to face the formidable Indian side. Mehidy is approaching a milestone of 2000 runs and 200 wickets in tests, with his current tally standing at 1625 runs and 174 wickets in international red-ball cricket. The first test of the two-match series will take place on September 19 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, Chepauk. This series will be a crucial test for Mehidy as he aims to prove his mettle against one of the top teams in the world.

Chandika Hathurusingha has high expectations for Mehidy Hasan Miraz, considering him the most improved cricketer in Bangladesh over the past 5-6 years. Hathurusingha believes that Mehidy is genuinely prepared to take on Shakib’s role in the future, having shown improvement in all aspects of his game. In the recent series against Pakistan, Mehidy scored 155 runs and took 10 wickets, earning the player of the series award. These performances have cemented his reputation as a capable all-rounder who can contribute significantly with both bat and ball, just like Shakib.

As Bangladesh prepares for the series against India, they have made a change to their 16-member squad. Left-arm pacer Shariful Islam was excluded due to an injury and was replaced by wicketkeeper-batter Zaker Ali Onik. The 26-year-old Onik is the only uncapped player in the squad, and Hathurusingha has faith in the young players to perform well against India. The emergence of young talents like Mehidy has been credited for Bangladesh’s recent success, and the team is looking to continue their winning streak and build a strong future team. Hathurusingha believes that Bangladesh now has a balance of experience and young talent, which will be crucial for their performance against India.

The spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja will be a major threat to Bangladesh in the upcoming series. To counter this, Bangladesh will rely on their experienced batsman Mushfiqur Rahim, who practices sweep shots and variations against off-spinners. Mushfiqur, who averages 55 in Test cricket, is a thorough professional and is often compared to the likes of Sachin Tendulkar. His experience and skill will be vital for Bangladesh as they face the formidable Indian spin attack. The two-match series will kick off on Thursday in Chennai, with the second Test scheduled to be played in Kanpur on September 27.

Bangladesh has always been heavily dependent on Shakib Al Hasan, but now they have a capable replacement in Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Miraz’s improved batting skills are a key factor in his readiness to fill in for Shakib. Hathurusingha believes that Bangladesh’s preparation for the upcoming series has been meticulous and professional, thanks to players like Mushfiqur. The spin duo of Ashwin and Jadeja will be a big challenge for Bangladesh, but they are confident in their abilities to counter them. Bangladesh will look to their experienced players like Mushfiqur to lead the team to success in the upcoming series.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s ambition to become the best all-rounder in the world is a driving force behind his recent performances. He does not want to be stuck at the number 8 position and aims to move up the batting order. In an interview with reporters, Mehidy joked about the pressure of batting at number 8 and expressed his desire to bat higher up the order. He believes that his role will become more important once Shakib Al Hasan retires and feels that having two all-rounders in the team is beneficial. Mehidy’s batting has improved, and he is contributing more to the team’s success, making him a crucial player for Bangladesh’s future.

As Mehidy prepares for the upcoming tour of India, he is looking forward to the challenge and hopes to continue his current form. He believes that every player eventually retires, and teams have replacements in place. When Shakib Al Hasan retires, Mehidy’s role in the team will become even more significant. He is excited about the opportunity and is focused on performing well for his team. Bangladesh is looking to continue their success, and Mehidy will play a crucial role in their upcoming matches. The team is determined to put up a strong performance and continue the momentum for Bangladesh cricket.

In conclusion, Mehidy Hasan Miraz is poised to succeed Shakib Al Hasan as Bangladesh’s premier all-rounder. His recent performances have demonstrated his capability and readiness to take on the responsibilities of a key player in the team. With the support of head coach Chandika Hathurusingha and the backing of his teammates, Mehidy is set to play a pivotal role in Bangladesh’s cricketing future. As the team prepares for the challenging series against India, all eyes will be on Mehidy to see if he can rise to the occasion and cement his place as one of the best all-rounders in the world.