Bangladesh's veteran allrounder Mahmudullah Riyad has named several young players who he believes can step into his role as a finisher in T20 cricket, following his announcement of retirement from the format.
The 38-year-old revealed that the upcoming third T20 match against India in Hyderabad will mark his final appearance in this format, although he intends to continue playing One Day Internationals (ODIs).
In response to questions about potential replacements, Mahmudullah highlighted the talents of Jaker Ali Anik, Shamim Patwari, Afif Hossain, and Yasir Ali Chowdhury Rabbi as strong candidates for the No. 6 or 7 positions in the batting order. "We are fortunate to have several young guns who can take on this crucial role," he said.
Mahmudullah emphasized the challenges of batting in the finisher role, noting that it requires courage and a fearless mindset. "You have to be brave. You can't think about failure," he stated.
Reflecting on his own journey, Mahmudullah acknowledged that he wasn't always known as a big hitter at the beginning of his career. However, through perseverance and dedication, he transformed into one of the best finishers in the country. Under the guidance of former coach Chandika Hathurusinghe, he embraced the challenge of the finisher's role and worked hard to expand his skill set, incorporating aerial shots into his batting repertoire.
He also urged the coaching staff and management to remain patient with the younger players stepping into these roles, emphasizing the importance of support from coaches and captains in high-pressure situations. "In T20 cricket, you need to go out there and hit the ball as hard as you can. But the coach and captain have to back the batter in that position," he remarked.
As he prepares to bid farewell to T20 cricket, Mahmudullah leaves behind a legacy as a dependable finisher, inspiring the next generation of Bangladeshi cricketers to rise to the occasion.
