Mushfiq wont keep behind the wicket in longer version
SPORTS REPORTER, Dhaka
National team wicket-keeper batsman Mushfiqur Rahim has decided not to wear gloves in red-ball cricket after consulting with head coach Russell Domingo and other members of the team management as the wicket-keeper thinks it will help him to reduce workload and enhance his cricket career.
The 32-year-old, Mushfiqur, didnt stand behind the stumps in the ongoing NCL and also decided not to keep wickets in the upcoming India series.
In a recent interview Mushfiqur said, I dont want to continue to keep wickets in longer version of cricket. I play in all formats (international cricket, BPL, DPL). So if I consider it overall, I think its becoming too much overload for me.
I want to perform for a longer period of time. Since Im playing all forms of cricket, I need to think of my keeping. With the grace of Allah, I didnt suffer any major injury but at the same time I didnt get much amount of rest indeed. I want to avoid such scenarios in future that may force me to take rest in one or two series. This is why Ive decided to keep myself away from wicket-keeping to minimize my workload.
Mushfiqur said, earlier, when Domingo toured Sri Lanka during Bangladesh A series against Sri Lanka, didnt make any comment on it but this time welcomed him to carry on with this decision.
In the meantime, he also said, he has a good batting record wearing the gloves.
I scored two double-tons and all of my Test centuries came during my tenure as a wicket-keeper. I still think I get good batting ideas when I stand behind the stumps. I can see all over the ground. It helps me a lot in my batting, he said.
The wicket-keeper batsman, however, said, criticism didnt bother him behind the decision.
Criticism is nothing new for me. If so, I wouldve left keeping across all formats. No external criticism let me to change my decision. I always enjoy keeping wickets. But, as I previously said it is my own decision to give it up. I think I can contribute more with the bat if I not continue with keeping. This is my own feel, he further added.
In another query Mushfiqur confirmed he wants to stay away from wicket-keeping role only in Test format to lessen his pressure. If the team management wants me to give up keeping in all formats, Ill do that. It will be decided by them. Again if the management wants to keep the gloves, Ive to prefer then for the welfare of the team. But for the time being, I just tell them Im not interested to carry on with wicket-keeping role in Test cricket, he concluded.
