IPL 2016: Mustafizur Rahman's new found friendship in Sunrisers camp helps him tackle English barrier
Even though it has almost been a year since he stormed into the limelight, most batsmen have not been able to figure out Mustafizur Rahman’s tricks. However, there are still a few things which worry the young fast bowler from Bangladesh.
Also read: Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) vs Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) IPL 2016 Live Cricket Score & Ball by Ball Commentary
Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, players from Sunrisers Hyderabad shared about the 20-year old’s reticent personality. Batsman Ricky Bhui also revealed that he was the designated translator for the ‘Fizz’.
Bhui quipped, “Mustafizur Rahman is afraid of only two things - batting and speaking English. Mera aur Mustafizur ka achha banta tha (Mustafizur and I get along very well).” The major reason behind that is the Bangladeshi’s unfamiliarity with English and Bhui being the only person in the SRH camp who could speaking Rahman’s mother tongue.
Skipper David Warner had even jested on Twitter that he was trying to communicate with Rahman by using Google translator. However, the Australian's problem was solved when his team manager found out that the Bhopal-born Bhui was well versed in Bengali.
The 19-year old Indian also shares some history with Mustafizur by virtue of playing against each other in the 2014 U-19 World Cup. Bhui enthused that the two had become quite close and he would brief the Satkhira-born seamer on their team’s strategies.
He asserted, “The role he would be required to play in the first 10 overs or the latter half, what he had to bowl to each batsman and which field he had to bowl to needed to be explained to him. During the strategic time-out, I would go and translate Warner's instructions and the field set for him.“
Having been away from his hometown for three months or so, Mustafizur also has to grapple with homesickness. Bhui affirmed, “He always talks about his background and his family. He keeps talking to his brothers on Skype a lot.”
How does Mustafizur talk to his team-mates on the field?
Despite the fact that players from different countries come together in the IPL, Mustafizur’s lack of English has not prevented him from communicating with his team-mates. The left-armer apparently uses sign language with a rotation of wrists indicating the slower ball and pointing to the head heralding the arrival of a bouncer.
Bhui claimed, “He says only two words - problem and no problem. Not just on the ground but everywhere; be it a press conference or sponsor event or when he speaks to the manager. If he says ‘problem’, he is totally clueless. If he says 'no problem’, then he knows what to do."
Sunrisers Coach Tom Moody felt that Mustafizur was a huge asset to the team and enjoying the atmosphere in India. The 50-year old said, “Not that our Bengali has got any better but his English has probably got a little bit better. Also, cricket is a pretty universal language.”
He disclosed, “As a person, he is a good character around the team. He is quite a funny guy, you can see that he has got a bright personality. And you know, he has added value to the side not only on the field but also off the field.“
The canny pace bowler has picked up 16 wickets from 14 matches at an average of 22.25. With SRH facing a stern test against the Kolkata Knightriders in the Eliminator, Moody would hope that Mustafizur continues to be on the top of his game.