Mehidy Hasan returns to Bangladesh's T20I squad for India series
Mehidy Hasan, the Bangladeshi all-rounder, is back in the national T20I squad after a 14-month break. He's part of the 15-member team picked by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) for the upcoming three-match series against India. The squad also features left-handed opener Parvez Hossain Emon and left-arm orthodox spinner Rakibul Hasan.
Shakib Al Hasan's retirement prompts squad changes
The BCB has made some big changes to the squad that played in the last ICC T20 World Cup. The biggest one is Shakib Al Hasan retiring from T20Is. Also, left-handed batter Soumya Sarkar and left-arm spinner Tanvir Ahmed have lost their places in the team. The pace attack remains the same. BCB chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain has shared the reasons behind these changes during the team's announcement.
BCB chief selector explains new strategy
Hossain said, "We want to try Parvez Hossain Emon, and before the World Cup, we kept him in the training sessions and observed him." He also mentioned that Shakib Al Hasan's retirement left a gap in the middle order, which they hope to fill with Mehidy Miraz. The chief selector believes that Miraz can contribute significantly with his batting and off-spin skills.
Rakibul Hasan and Sheikh Mahedi's inclusion explained
Hossain also shared that Tanvir Ahmed had broken his hand, which led to Rakibul Hasan's selection. He said, "I think the guys who are included, it is not a fact that they can claim their spot in the playing XI." He also mentioned that Sheikh Mahedi has been kept in the squad because he can bowl well with the new ball.
Bangladesh squad for India tour
Bangladesh squad - Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Parvez Hossain Emon, Tawhid Hridoy, Mahmud Ullah, Litton Kumer Das, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hassan Miraz, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Rakibul Hasan.