Can Miraz fill Shakib’s shoes?
Mehidy Hasan Miraz, iCC
|| CF CORRESPONDENT ||
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8 Mar 25
World’s top all-rounder Shakib al Hasan, who is rated as two players in one, is on the verge of his career end, but he can relax after watching another Tiger all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who is growing as a dependable all-rounder.
25-years old Miraz had a dream debut with 19 wickets in the two-match Test series against England in 2016. Beginning as a bowler, Miraz has developed his batting skills throughout the years. Miraz created a record partnership of 174 runs with Afif Hossain against Afghanistan last year.
Miraz claimed during an exclusive interview with Cricfrenzy that he is preparing himself to be a great package for Bangladesh by performing regularly in all formats.
The excerpts of the full interview are as follows:
Cricfrenzy: Chandika Hathurusingha has joined Bangladesh national team as the head coach you had your dream debut under him... How is your second innings going?
Miraz: Yes, I made my debut under Hathurusingha in 2016. I know a lot about him, and he knows a lot about me. We have a terrific working relationship. One thing I enjoy about him is that he has plans for me to enhance my batting. Hathurusingha is unconcerned with my bowling. We're both focusing on steadily increasing my batting skills.
CF: You were an all-rounder in the age level cricket. Although you started as a bowler in the national team, now you are also batting well. Do you regret not being able to start as an all-rounder?
Miraz: As a player you need to adapt a lot. I consider myself lucky because I started as a bowler. Because a bowler has the opportunity to turn around, this task is a bit difficult for batters at times.
As I started well with bowling, there were options to bring improvement into batting. In the beginning, there was a little problem, I wondered how to play or not. But slowly I’m mastering it and my confidence has increased, I know what to do and not to do.
CF: Now most of the time you have to perform in the lower order... Do you sometimes want to bat at the top?
Miraz: Of course, there is a plan or desire to bat at the top. I have played in the top-order in age-level cricket. I have also proved my ability in many other places. I am trying to improve now. Hope there is definitely something better ahead.
CF: Where do want to see yourself in future? For the sake of the team, which role will be above all?
Mehidy Hasan Miraz appointed as vice captain for CT25
13 Feb 25![Mehidy Hasan Miraz [R] with assistant coach Salahuddin during practice session , Cricfrenzy](https://cricfrenzy.com/public/storage/images/2-2025/491oudFdea8297SecB0V1c34.jpg)
Miraz: See I have both options. I do both batting and bowling. But I always try to contribute what the team requires. If I do well in both, it is good for the team. If I can give something to the team on both sides, then it is the team's gain, the team will win the match or do well.
It is also a big thing to be able to go down the order and score some runs for the team, the place where I bat is also a concern. There is bowling. I try to play as a package, I don't know who I can be an alternative to. I try to make myself effective as much as possible for the sake of the team.
CF: What have you realized as a player at this stage of your career?
Miraz: At the beginning of my career, I was not very focused with batting. Back then my sole thinking was bowling, but now it has changed with time. I'm trying to improve. It's great that everyone in the team has faith in me now. It helped to boost my confidence.
CF: You are regular in all three formats... What’s the mindset in each format?
Miraz: All formats are not the same, there are different plans for different formats. When you play in three formats you have to plan different things. You have to change constantly. You need to prepare the plan by understanding the format.
CF: How is your chemistry with Rangana Herath?
Miraz: We have a world class coach, Rangana Herath. He was a world class cricketer. Besides my coach Sohail sir, I go to him whenever I have any problem. I still have a lot of room for improvement. But I am not trying anything different or new.
CF: Playing international cricket for so many years, there must be an added pressure...
Miraz: Cricket is a stressful game. You have to take pressure when playing on the field. Only those who can handle it can grow. Everyone handle their pressure in their own way.
CF: You speak very maturely now than you used to do. A big change in thinking can be noticed... Have you brought these changes by yourself?
Miraz: See, if there is any problem in people's life, they need training. But at the root of all problems is in the head, your thoughts. How can it be improved? Everyone practices batting-bowling every day and improves. But your mind also needs training. Here too, there are steps, room for improvement.
Not all people are the same. The mindset is not the same for everyone. If I tell my mind or head that I can't, it will affect my body as well. But if I tell my head or mind that I can, the body will act differently. It's all about mindset, how you set yourself up or create yourself.
CF: How did you make this mental shift?
Miraz: When we play international cricket, we have to go through a lot of situations. There is a lot of pressure, the situation is different. Many things happen while playing.
Besides, I will say that there mind trainer in our country (Sabit Rayhan), who works separately with cricketers. Taught them psychological issues. He has worked with many cricketers, I am also work with him. I have a very good relationship with him. I talk to him about anything I need, it helped me.
CF: Any personal plans for upcoming World Cup and Asia Cup?
Miraz: I have no personal plans because if I plan, there is a possibility of not succeeding. So I don't think before any series or match that I will do this or that. So don't have plan for anything. I don't know what the outcome will be. I believe that success will come only if I continue to work hard.
