Mehidy Hasan aims to go one better after Pakistan heroics as he seeks to become the best all-rounder by being consistent.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz had a star turn in Pakistan, playing crucial knocks from no.8 and taking Bangladesh to a 2-0 sweep.
The all-rounder is one of the best at the position, joint-highest with Jason Holder in terms of runs scored. But the 26-year-old is refusing to sit on his laurels just yet.
While he holds aspirations to be the best all-rounder, he jokingly refuses to be the best number 8.
“No, I don’t aim to be the best number eight. Batting at number eight comes with a lot of pressure (laughs).
“I mean that I don’t want to be the best at number eight, but the best higher up the order.”
He understands that his role will be more crucial after the retirement of Shakib al Hasan.
“If a team has two all-rounders, it provides a great advantage. Earlier, the team didn’t benefit as much from my batting as I mainly played as a bowler. Now, I’m contributing more (with the bat) and it feels great. Of course, it takes hard work and practice.”
“Having an all-rounder in a team is beneficial. Since both of us (Shakib and I) are playing, we share important responsibilities, contributing with both bat and ball. In world cricket, every player eventually retires. Most teams have replacements in place. When Shakib Bhai is no longer playing, my role in the team will probably become more significant,” he said.
Mehidy is also optimistic about Bangladesh’s performance against India in the next two-match Test series.
“India, being a very strong team, has excellent batsmen and bowlers. We have some idea about the wickets there since we’ve played in India before. I think the wickets are usually good. If we continue playing the way we are, and focus on performing without worrying about the outcome, results will come naturally,” he said.