Mehidy looking to bring hope back in B’desh ODI cricket at a time where the team has sunk to its lowest ICC ranking.
As Mehidy Hasan Miraz tries to turn around Bangladesh’s faltering ODI fortunes, his innate leadership abilities will be put to the test. As his side drops to its lowest ICC rating in 19 years, the new captain assumes leadership.
Mehidy’s first assignment is in Sri Lanka, where, starting on July 8, Bangladesh will play their hosts in three One-Day Internationals. In a nation where Bangladesh has only won four of 36 ODIs, he has stated that he is aiming for a series victory. For the first time since their quick elimination from the Champions Trophy in February of this year due to losses to India and New Zealand, Bangladesh will be participating in 50-over cricket.
“We want to win our first ODI series in Sri Lanka,” Mehidy said at the pre-departure press conference. The first match is very important as we haven’t been playing a lot of ODI cricket lately. We didn’t play many last year. It is going to be challenging as we used to playing 15-20 every year usually.”
Mehidy previously led Bangladesh in a 3-0 ODI series loss to the West Indies in December while filling in for Najmul Hossain Shanto, whom he has now permanently replaced.
“I made my captaincy debut in a different circumstance. I was the vice-captain so I had to step up as Shanto got injured. It is difficult to captain the side in that situation. It was Shanto’s set-up. I just had to run the field. I gathered experience in those four ODIs but captaincy is better on a long-term basis. I will try to get the team to a good position in 12 months.”
During this time, Bangladesh is expected to play 23 ODIs. One of their most impressive players has been Mehidy, whose batting gains since the 2023 World Cup have been noteworthy. Beyond those specifics, he has also been a consistent operator with his offspin. His resilient nature is what Bangladesh is counting on to get them through this difficult period. His history in leadership roles and his resilience in the face of difficulty are encouraging.
“I have learned a lot from my captains in the past,” he said. “I will use that knowledge as the ODI captain. I have always followed how they took their decisions strongly. A captain has to take strong decisions in tough situations. You might not get a second chance. How you take the decision, is an important thing.
“I will help the younger players just like our senior players used to help us when we were starting our careers. It is now time for us to take the responsibility. I have gained a lot of experience playing for eight or nine years. Those in the dressing room must not feel he is alone, he should feel that I have others with me.”