Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 14th March 2026, 6:36 AM
Following his appointment as Bangladesh’s one-day international captain, Mehedi Hasan Miraz has experienced a noticeable dip in form. Although he continues to bat in the lower middle order to suit team requirements, some observers have suggested that he may be overly focused on his individual performance. Spin bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed has firmly dismissed such claims, emphasising Miraz’s commitment to team strategy and preparation.
Mushtaq, a former Pakistani cricketer, highlighted that Miraz is deliberately planning his approach with the team’s interests in mind. Commenting on the captain’s batting style and recent form, he said, “I do not believe Miraz is playing safe merely for personal comfort. He has bowled exceptionally well in the previous match, and when a player is in good form, they do not worry about self-preservation.”
The coach further explained Miraz’s strategic decisions, particularly his trust in the pace bowlers during certain match situations. “When Maz Sadakat was at the crease, the ball had both pace and swing. Miraz displayed very positive cricket, relying on the pacers to create opportunities. Sometimes these plans succeed, sometimes they do not,” Mushtaq noted.
Mushtaq elaborated on Miraz’s recent training regimen aimed at regaining rhythm and consistency. “Over the past few days, Miraz has worked incredibly hard. We performed various drills. Two days ago, when he was about to bat, I advised him instead to engage in long bowling practice. He understood and completed extended spells. As an off-spinner, it is crucial to master ball rotation. Miraz deserves credit; he has grasped my points as his spin coach and is executing them well,” he said.
Looking ahead, Mushtaq also shared insights on the team’s preparation for upcoming challenges, particularly the South African tour. “We are preparing with South Africa in mind. Conditions there will be demanding, but with long-term planning, you must simulate and adapt to such scenarios to be ready,” he added.
| Aspect | Observation | Implication |
|---|---|---|
| Batting role | Lower middle order | Team-first approach, not personal gain |
| Strategic trust | Pacers in critical moments | Flexible planning, positive cricket mindset |
| Recent form | Improvement noted | Effective hard work and training drills |
| Bowling practice | Long spells, off-spin focus | Technical refinement for consistency |
| Future preparation | South Africa conditions | Long-term adaptation and readiness |
Mushtaq’s comments underscore a central message: Miraz’s efforts remain team-oriented, and his hard work both on and off the field reflects a professional commitment to improvement. Despite public scrutiny over individual performance, the coach insists that the captain is building form and confidence through disciplined practice and tactical awareness.
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