Bangladesh are riding high on confidence after their historic Test series win in Pakistan but they now face the challenge of facing India at home. India have lost just four Test matches in over a decade at home and facing them in their conditions is often regarded as the most difficult task in the sport.
If Bangladesh are to get anything out of the series, they will need their greatest ever cricketer Shakib Al Hasan to step up. However, head coach Chandika Hathurusingha has said that while Shakib is invaluable, Bangladesh may already have a player who could fill in for him whenever the veteran all-rounder hangs up his boots. Hathurusingha said that Mehidy Hasan Miraz is the most "improved Bangladeshi cricketer in the last five-six years".
Mehidy Hasan Miraz: Shakib Al Hasan's Successor?
Hathurusingha believes that Miraz is ready to take over the mantle from Shakib. He highlighted Miraz's improvements in his batting, which has complemented his already strong bowling abilities. "He's ready to take over when Shakib moves out. He has developed his batting and obviously his bowling has always been his strength number one. And he's a gun fielder," Hathurusingha told reporters.
Shakib Al Hasan's Legacy
Shakib's red-ball appearances in domestic and international cricket have dwindled with the all-rounder being active in T20 tournaments around the world. Although he picked three crucial wickets against Pakistan in the second innings of the first Test earlier this year in Rawalpindi, Shakib managed to take just six wickets overall in the series. Crucially, though, it was him and Mushfiqur Rahim who blocked Pakistan out with the bat and saw Bangladesh through to victory in the second Test.
Moreover, Shakib then played for Surrey in the County Championship. He picked nine wickets, bowling 33.5 overs in the first innings and 29.3 in the second in a match against Somerset. Shakib has played 69 Test matches in which he has taken 242 wickets at an average of 31.31. Additionally he has scored 4543 runs at an average of 38.50 with five centuries and 31 half-centuries.
Hathurusingha acknowledged the importance of Shakib's presence in the team, stating, "He (Shakib) is in good shape so he brings a lot into the team, even apart from his skillset." He further highlighted Shakib's versatility and experience as crucial assets, saying, "Shakib has always played a huge part in Bangladesh cricket whenever he is available. Obviously, he gives us the luxury to balance the team the way we want, whether we want to play an extra bowler or an extra batter, his all-round capability helps us in that. He keeps that adaptability as well as his huge experience."
Miraz's Rise to Prominence
Miraz has emerged as a formidable talent, particularly after his stellar performance in the recent two-match Test series against Pakistan. He scored 155 runs and took 10 wickets across two matches, earning the Player of the Series award in Bangladesh's historic series sweep over Pakistan. His performance has solidified his position as a potential successor to Shakib in the eyes of the coach.
Hathurusingha's praise for Miraz's development is a testament to the young all-rounder's dedication and hard work. "Miraz (Mehidy) I would say is the most improved Bangladeshi cricketer in the last five-six years. He's ready to take over when Shakib moves out. He has developed his batting and obviously his bowling has always been his strength number one. And he's a gun fielder," he added.
The Future of Bangladesh Cricket
As Shakib's time in international cricket winds down, Bangladesh will need to rely on the next generation of players to carry on the legacy. Miraz's rise to prominence is a positive sign for the future of Bangladeshi cricket. His all-round abilities and potential to fill the void left by Shakib make him a crucial player for Bangladesh as they look to build on their recent successes.
While Shakib Al Hasan remains a vital part of the Bangladesh team, the emergence of Mehidy Hasan Miraz as a capable successor is a positive development for the future of Bangladeshi cricket. His strong all-round abilities and consistent performances suggest that he is well-positioned to step into the shoes of the veteran all-rounder and continue to contribute to the team's success. Only time will tell if Miraz can truly live up to the expectations placed upon him, but his potential is undeniable, and his emergence is a sign of the bright future that lies ahead for Bangladesh cricket.
