Riyad completes a decade in international circuit
Sports Reporter
Exactly 10 years ago when Mahmudullah Riyad made his international debut for Bangladesh, his performance in both batting and bowling against Sri Lanka hinted the birth of another classy all-rounder after Shakib Al Hasan.
He had scored 36 runs, batting in No 7 position and took two wickets in an ODI against Sri Lanka at Colombo. Even though the journey has never been smooth, Mahmudullah materialised what was hoped on July 25 in 2007. And he has been doing it silently what however doesnt come as good for him. He is never considered as highly as Shakib is as an all-rounder. But his silent contribution made him the unsung hero of Bangladesh.
His batting position was never decided. In fact he had batted from No. 3 position to No. 9 position in both Test and ODI cricket. He repeated change of position often put an adverse effect on his batting but he never complained. He was even considered as more talented batsman than Tamim Iqbal but he never got the limelight what Tamim got. Still he never complained.
His sly off-spin was never used perfectly. But Riyad wasnt used to complain. He was indeed a man of need for the captain in crisis moment. And he never frustrated the captain.
Last but not the least, he might be the favourite subject for the critics. No one tasted such huge criticism from the inside and outside the BCB for his performance despite doing his duty with utmost passion. He even was dropped from the Test team because the team management didnt have patience on him. But Riyad was calm and replied in emphatic fashion, hitting a match winning century against New Zealand in ICC Champions Trophy which widened Bangladesh road to the first ever semifinal in global event.
Every day is challenging, Riyad said after seeing so many ups and downs in his career. You cant be stable here. In international cricket, the opponents will workout regarding you every day. They will find out your weakness and strength. So you need to find a way to deal with them everyday in your career.
But after spending 10 years in international cricket, I am mentally calm now. I am more disciplined than the early days. Now I know what I want to do, what my weakness is and what is my strength.
Riyad has been the fifth cricket amongst the players currently playing for Bangladesh, after Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal. Five cricketers had spent 10 years in international circuit, meaning Bangladesh team is more stable than the past. Bangladesh earlier never got five cricketers with 10 years experience in their team.
This is a positive sign that we have five players with 10 years experience. We are now more stable and comfortable. On personal ground, I am happy but I know the responsibility is bigger than the past.
I have seen many ups and downs in my career and it helped me to be stronger than ever. I am now more confident. Now I want to pass my experience to the young players to help them.
However after tasting a waist injury during the weight lifting session, Mahmudullah Riyad was advised to take rest for some days. He said the injury wasnt that serious and expected to recover as early as possible.
