No team is seen playing more than one all-rounder in T20 cricket. Bangladesh currently has more than one all-rounder in the T20 team. Among them, the problem is with the two ‘Mehdis’. Although both are off-spinners, there is a difference in their strength in terms of T20. Again, although both are all-rounders, there is a difference in their batting depth. As a result, Bangladesh is in a sweet problem with Sheikh Mehedi Hasan and Mehedi Hasan Miraj.
Miraj-Sheikh Mehedi were also in the team for the last T20 series against Sri Lanka. However, the team management kept one in the eleven considering the environment, conditions and wickets. Host captain Liton Das also spoke about this in the press conference yesterday (Saturday) before the Pakistan series. He said, “We know about Sheikh Mehedi how much he is capable of. And he has proven himself a long time ago. There is nothing to prove here.”
Regarding playing one of the two Mehedis, Liton said, “I have said before that we need the batsman in the team combination and if the team feels that we need the player, we will play him.” Earlier, in the last T20 against the Sri Lankans, Sheikh Mehedi returned to the eleven and played a man of the match innings. At that time, the captain said about the two Mehedis, “Whenever I know there is a T20 match here (in Colombo), the plan is that Mehedi will play whether anyone else plays or not. This does not mean that (Meheddi Hasan) Miraj is not a good bowler or batter. If the surface bowling is helpful, I will definitely play Mehedi, and if the batting is helpful, Miraj will make a comeback.”
Apart from this, Liton also has confidence in the strength of Bangladesh’s bench, ‘On a specific day, on specific conditions, we will decide (whether to play the same XI or the bench). Our team’s bench also has enough strength, everyone is capable of playing. We will decide from the team management, who can be played at what time. We will try that way.’
Bangladesh has not won a T20 against Pakistan in the last 9 years. Regarding this, Liton said, ‘We have to play our best cricket. Everything is made to become history. And records are also broken. If we play good cricket, it will not take long to break records. Instead of thinking about that record, if we think about what we can do, how much we are capable of, how good cricket we can play, all those things will change.’
FAQ
What is the ‘Two Mehedis’ dilemma in the Bangladesh team?
The dilemma refers to the presence of two players with similar names — Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Mehedi Hasan Rana — in Bangladesh’s T20 squad, creating confusion over selection and team combinations.
Who is Mehidy Hasan Miraz?
Mehidy Hasan Miraz is an experienced all-rounder known for his off-spin bowling and useful batting performances in international cricket.
Who is Mehedi Hasan Rana?
Mehedi Hasan Rana is a left-arm fast bowler who has impressed in domestic cricket and earned a call-up to the national side.
Why is this situation a dilemma for the team management?
Both players offer different skills — one is a spinner, the other a pacer — and choosing between them depends on pitch conditions, team balance, and match strategy.
