BCB selectors pick Saif for multi-role flexibility
Saif Hassan
Saif Hassan has earned a recall to Bangladesh’s T20I side for the upcoming Asia Cup after consistent performances in recent months.
The right-hander had a decent outing in the last edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), scoring 306 runs in 13 matches for Rangpur Riders at an average of 25.5. His strike rate was 119, and he registered a highest score of 80, finishing as the 15th-highest run-getter of the tournament.
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More recently, Saif impressed with two strong innings in the ongoing Top End T20 Series in Australia, which played a key role in his return to the national fold. His last T20I appearance came two years ago.
Explaining the selection, chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu said they were looking for a player who could perform multiple roles.
“We mainly picked him as a backup for the No. 4 batting position. The team management also wanted someone who could bowl a bit in the powerplay, bat at No. 3, and even open if required. Considering all these roles, we felt Saif was the right option,” Lipu told reporters at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Saturday.
He further added, “We had a long discussion with the coach and captain before finalizing. Many names were considered, but we needed someone who could provide us that bowling option higher up the order, which Saif can.”
On what they expect with the bat, Lipu explained, “We needed someone who could play at No. 3, No. 4, or even open if necessary. That’s why we kept our eyes on Saif, and now he has been included. We are looking for players who can address multiple roles in the team.”
Meanwhile, opener Naim Sheikh, who was part of the winning squads against Sri Lanka and Pakistan earlier this year, missed out after poor performances in both those series and also in the Top End T20 Series in Australia. Lipu confirmed that Naim’s omission was due to his lack of runs.
