Shak Mahedi Hasan, an all-rounder for Bangladesh, feels that his bowling is not limited to taking particular kinds of wickets and that he is constantly trying to improve as a player.
In the Colombo final, Mahedi made a spectacular comeback after missing the first two games of the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka. He was instrumental in Bangladesh’s historic eight-wicket victory, which was their first-ever T20I series victory on Sri Lankan territory. The 29-year-old demonstrated his ability to perform well under pressure by taking four wickets in the game.
In the ensuing home series against Pakistan, Mahedi played in all three games and finished with three wickets for 98 runs in 11 overs.
In reference to the off-spinner’s adaptability for specific conditions, Bangladesh skipper Litton Das stated after the team’s series victory in Sri Lanka that Mahedi had always been in his plans for the Colombo match. But Mahedi has a different perspective.
“I haven’t done too terribly when it comes to my performances abroad. Mahedi tells Cricbuzz, “I don’t think I’m suited only to certain wickets.”
He claims that when he is not in the starting lineup, he attempts to maximise his time in the locker room by watching how other players respond to pressure.
“I concentrate on getting myself ready while I’m not in the series. You can watch how various cricket players react to various circumstances up close and consider what your own plans might be in comparable circumstances. I’m learning from the game and how it changes at different points, so it’s not like I’m just sitting around,” he remarked.
“You know as well as I do why I was dropped,” he continued. “I can’t say anything about it. The players who fit that goal will play, and ultimately, it’s about what Bangladesh cricket needs to achieve. I’ve been fired every time I didn’t live up to expectations, but I’ve recovered through my performance. Therefore, I’m used to getting dropped and coming back.”
Because he didn’t bowl much with the new ball during the Dhaka Premier League, Mahedi acknowledged that his bowling isn’t as effective as it once was.
“I need to practise bowling with the new ball. It isn’t as violent as it formerly was. However, I’ve had to adapt, and I’m glad I was able to do so,” he remarked. “Being called the top new-ball bowler doesn’t worry me. My primary goal is to get better every day. I like bowling on the powerplay, and I believe I have the experience to tackle the task because I’ve been doing it frequently.”
Regarding batting, Mahedi stated that he is attempting to better prepare for his position in the lower-middle order, particularly if he is to bat at number six in Twenty20 Internationals.
We’ve been collapsing a lot lately, so it’s even more crucial for me to contribute with the bat. I occasionally have to arrive early. When the ball is softer in T20 cricket, I’m typically ready to bat for five overs, but when I enter earlier, I need some time to get used to a relatively fresh ball,” he said.
“The top-order hitters typically confront the fresh ball in the netting. However, I believe I also need to practise against the new ball, particularly against our best pacers who move the ball around and put you to the test with their quickness. We should at least get two overs against good pace when it’s our turn, but I’m not saying I have to bat during their sessions. I’ll be able to settle into my zone faster when I’m promoted up the order,” he continued.
Mahedi also emphasised that Bangladesh must practise on higher-quality wickets, particularly in light of upcoming international competitions like the Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup.
“Getting ready on excellent wickets is essential. The pitches are superior for ICC or international events, and even minor errors are penalised. Batting-wise, you are compelled to block or go for huge hits if the wicket isn’t very good. You can work the ones and twos on a decent surface, which is crucial for any squad,” he stated.
“We are aware that the bounce of the Mirpur surface might be erratic at times. However, we may potentially practise in Sylhet, Chattogram, or another location with better wickets’, he said.
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