Bangladesh is not having a good time in the Asia Cup. Rishad Hossain is also not doing well. Despite taking two wickets against Hong Kong, Rishad was a bit expensive compared to other bowlers. In the last match against Sri Lanka, he gave away 18 runs in just one over. Overall, Rishad’s performance was quite mediocre.
Even then, Mushtaq Ahmed is confident about Rishad. He said at a press conference yesterday, ‘He (Rishad) is a young leg spinner. When you try to bowl several types of balls in an over, especially in the first over, you lose a little line length. I spoke to him today. His strength is to bowl the first three balls in good places, then try variations after gaining confidence. He will learn very quickly. He will understand which ball to bowl according to the situation.’
Tigers’ spin coach Mushtaq advised Rishad to work according to the process, ‘He has to keep the process in mind. If you know the process, the conditions and the situation, you have to bowl in good places. A good ball is a good ball for any batter in any condition. He has not played much with the red ball. My job is to remind him of the process, until the results come.’
Although the Afghans have an experienced spin department, Mushtaq is relying on the Tiger spinners, “They have Rashid and others. They have been playing for the last 15-20 years. They are ahead in terms of experience. That does not mean we do not have confidence in our spinners. Look at the statistics, our spinners win matches in the middle overs, the second best economy in the world. We have to keep our strength in mind. Then the spin department will do well, InshaAllah.”
FAQ
What did Mushtaq Ahmed say about Rishad Hossain?
Mushtaq Ahmed said Rishad is a young leg spinner who will learn quickly and improve his line and length with experience.
Why has Rishad been criticized in the Asia Cup?
Rishad has been expensive at times, giving away runs in crucial overs, despite picking up wickets against Hong Kong and Sri Lanka.
What advice did Mushtaq give Rishad?
Mushtaq advised Rishad to focus on the process, bowl in the right areas, and build confidence before trying variations.
How does Mushtaq view Bangladesh’s spin department compared to Afghanistan’s?
Mushtaq acknowledged Afghanistan’s experience but stressed that Bangladesh’s spinners have strong statistics and often win matches in the middle overs.
Has Rishad played much red-ball cricket?
No, Rishad hasn’t played much with the red ball, and Mushtaq highlighted this as an area where he still needs growth.
