Sheikh Mahedi Hasan has shown flashes of brilliance whenever given the opportunity, and he is perhaps one of the most underappreciated cricketers on the present Bangladesh side. The 29-year-old all-rounder recently chatted with Mazhar Uddin of The Daily Star, where he discussed his position, ambitions, and other subjects. He was instrumental in the Tigers’ first Twenty20 International victory against the Kiwis in New Zealand. Here are some key points from the interview:
The DS, or Daily Star Magazine: During the most recent series in New Zealand, you returned to the Twenty20 International squad after an absence of more than a year. When you’re done, how do you feel about it?
Performing is a great feeling, Sheikh Mahedi Hasan (SMH) says. However, it is crucial for guys like myself to consistently deliver or risk being benched because of our squad composition. I need to make the most of every chance, so every match is a challenge for me.
When you say “my type of player,” what exactly do you mean?
SMH: The squad is really competitive. While [Mehedi Hasan] Miraz and I are both very comparable players, he has developed a wide variety of talents and has made tremendous strides in his game. Therefore, looking at it that way, I have less chances and I am always challenged to improve as a cricketer.
DS: Are you hoping for more regular chances to show what you can do?
SMH: You tend to improve by learning from your errors and playing more matches regularly. There will be good times and bad times as a footballer, but having your teammates’ support allows you to be yourself. The team’s management had to chose Miraz over me since our skill sets are so comparable and because he has been doing really well over the last several years. Because you can’t have two players of the same kind in the starting lineup, it’s also crystal clear.
DS: Explain your position on the squad.
SMH: My job doesn’t obsess me constantly. No matter how long it takes, I will always be ready to bowl my best, even if my turn doesn’t come until the 50th over in a game.
Is your success on the home circuit anything that helps you while competing for your country’s team?
SMH: Absolutely, playing is a great way to learn. Before each international cricket match, I practice by thinking back on my performances and strategies from the local circuits. However, I make it a point to focus on my game during breaks and aim to develop my skill set since there is a tremendous difference between local and international cricket.
Had a conversation on your performance with head coach Chandika Hathurusingha, DS?
I spoke to him about ways to enhance my hitting, and he told me that doing so would benefit the team and myself. My batting might need some improvement, and I’m not the only one who thinks so.
Is there any way, considering your abilities, that you might have performed better while batting?
SMH: I couldn’t agree more. Unfortunately, I do not have nearly enough batting chances to regularly challenge myself at the highest level, making the already challenging sport of international cricket much more so. I feel like I’m falling behind in this area and could need more time to work on my batting abilities; if I could become better, maybe I could receive more chances.
DS: When playing Twenty20s, which batting position do you prefer?
I am prepared to bat in whichever position the team needs me to, SMH. However, I would want to complete the game and secure the victory if given the chance to bat at number seven or eight. I may not be perfect every time, but I will keep my mindset and strategy consistent. All the top bowlers in the world usually bowl in the last over of a cricket match, therefore I’m attempting to improve at that. Therefore, scoring from such location is difficult.
DS: Is it difficult for you to perform while you’re not at home?
SMH: As a matter of fact, I find that playing abroad is more enjoyable than playing at home. The wickets and circumstances are different, and I appreciate the challenge. The pitches are not conducive to spin, and you have great hitters there. Being a bowler gives me the confidence to take on any task. Even though I’m not very good at bowling, I always do my best to adapt bravely when faced with challenging circumstances.
The Twenty20 World Cup is later this year; how are you planning to be ready for it?
SMH: Next month is the commencement of the Bangladesh Premier League, and I want to use that opportunity to hone my batting and bowling abilities. Playing is an ongoing process since there’s no assurance that your form and consistency will be the same after six months. The next BPL, however, is an opportunity that I would want to seize.