Bangladesh Recalls Mehidy Hasan Miraz for T20I Series Against India
Bangladesh’s selectors have made significant changes to their T20I squad for the upcoming three-match series against India, recalling all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz and opener Parvez Hossain Emon. The series, scheduled to begin next week, will mark Mehidy’s return to the T20I format after a year-long absence.
Mehidy, a key all-rounder in Tests and ODIs, has been entrusted with a new role in the T20I side. Chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain explained that Mehidy will be expected to bat higher up the order, filling the void left by the recently retired Shakib Al Hasan.
“We feel that Mehidy Hasan Miraz is a good batter who can handle the middle order,” Ashraf said. “We didn’t pick him in the previous [T20] World Cup as we usually feel that he has a strong role as an allrounder in Tests and ODIs.”
Mehidy’s batting credentials in T20Is are modest, with 248 runs in 20 innings at an average of 14.58 and a strike rate of 118.66. However, the selectors believe he has the potential to excel in the new role.
Parvez Hossain Emon, a left-handed opener, has also been recalled to the squad after impressing the selectors in recent camps. He replaces Soumya Sarkar, who has been left out.
Left-arm spinner Rakibul Hasan has been included in the squad due to an injury to Tanvir Islam. Rakibul is expected to provide support to the pace attack, which remains unchanged.
Despite his mixed performance in the T20 World Cup earlier this year, veteran Mahmudullah has retained his place in the squad. Ashraf expressed confidence in Mahmudullah’s abilities and emphasized the value of experienced players.
Bangladesh’s T20Is against India will be played in Gwalior (October 6), New Delhi (October 9), and Hyderabad (October 12).