"He's ready to take over when Shakib moves out" - Chandika Hathurusingha impressed by Mehidy Hasan Miraz's rise ahead of IND vs BAN Test series
Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusingha believes Mehidy Hasan Miraz is firmly ready to take over the mantle from Shakib Al Hasan as the premier all-rounder once the latter retires. Hathurusingha observed that Mehidy is an all-round package and backed him to produce the goods in the upcoming series in India.
The 26-year-old played an integral role in Bangladesh's historic Test series win in Pakistan recently. The off-spinner took 10 wickets in two Tests, including a fifer and finished with 155 runs at 77.50, including a best of 78 in the second Test to spark their side's resurgence from 26-6.
Speaking at a press conference, the former Sri Lankan cricketer said Mehidy has been the most improved cricketer in their ranks in recent times and believes he has all the necessary skills to succeed in India. As quoted by Cricbuzz, he said:
"Miraz (Mehidy) I would say is the most improved Bangladeshi cricketer in the last five-six years. He's ready to take over when Shakib moves out. He has developed his batting and obviously his bowling has always been his strength number one. And he's a gun fielder.
"In India, that's the best challenge you get nowadays in cricket. So playing against the best always gives you the perception of where you stand. As well as looking forward to, as sportsmen, we are looking forward to that challenge."
Hathurusingha also feels the present team is the most well-rounded side produced by Bangladesh, claiming:
"It (the win in Pakistan) certainly gives us a lot of confidence coming into this series. Not because of the outcome of the series, it's the way we played that series where we handled certain situations. We were behind the game in both Tests and then how we came back and how different people who contributed at different times. A lot of belief in this series. I think this is probably the most rounded team that's produced from Bangladesh."
The Tigers have lost all Tests in and against India so far, dating back to their first in 2000. A win over Rohit Sharma's men will be the biggest landmark in their history.
"We are really encouraged by playing the best team in the world" - Chandika Hathurusingha
Hathurusingha added that there isn't a daunting challenge than playing India in their backyard today. The 56-year-old stated:
"Pressure is a privilege. I mean it gives us a lot more belief and something to look forward as well. But then we really understand where we stand and our strengths and limitation, we understand that. But we are really encouraged by playing the best team in the world. Like coming to India and playing against India, that's the best challenge you get nowadays in cricket."
The first Test begins on September 19 in Chennai.