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Mehidy Hasan Miraz believes he will be ready to step up once Shakib Al Hasan retires from the game. He also expects that if he can maintain his current form for an extended period of time, he will be able to establish himself as the world’s top all-rounder.

After a superb display with both the bat and the ball, Mehidy was adjudged player of the series in the historic clean sweep over Pakistan. As the Tigers prepare for a stiffer challenge in India, expectations soar.

Mehidy, who was the captain of the Bangladesh U-19 team, had always been thought of as the next big all-rounder after Shakib.

After making his debut in 2016, where he took 19 wickets against England in the two-Test series, Mehidy soon established himself as one of the main spinners. 

His batting skill was undeniably impressive, but he struggled to capitalise on his opportunities, particularly in Tests. Mehidy’s batting average was merely 18.41 over his first six years in the format. But since then, it has risen to 48.30.

Mehidy too feels that he has been batting well.

‘At first, the team did not take advantage of my batting potential,’ Mehidy told reporters in Mirpur on Monday, where the Tigers are holding a practice camp for the forthcoming India series. 

‘I had played mainly as a bowler. Now that I’m contributing [with the bat also], I feel good.’ 

The 26-year-old currently sits at number seven in the ICC Test all-rounder’s ranking. But he hopes that he can reach the top.

‘Of course [to achieve that] I have to prepare myself and work hard. This cannot be done in one or two years,’ said Mehidy.

‘If I can carry on this form for a long period, then I hope, Insha’allah, I can be the number one all-rounder.’ 

Obviously, playing alongside someone like Shakib, who has been one of the game’s best all-rounders, is not easy. There is always the possibility that you will be overshadowed.

Mehidy sees this as a plus point.

‘I’ve mentioned it before, when a team has two all-rounders, and it’s helpful for the team since we’re both playing and doing our jobs for the team.’

But Mehidy vowed that when Shakib, 37, retires, he will be ready to step up.

‘In cricket, everyone has to retire at some point. However, every team has replacements [for these guys]. Nobody is going to play for their whole life. When Shakib bhai retires, my role may become more important to the team,’ he remarked.

Mehidy played two vital innings that changed the course of the series against Pakistan. In the first Test, he scored 77 and was part of a huge 196-run partnership with Mushfiqur Rahim. Later, he added 165 runs with Liton Das to rescue Bangladesh from 26-6. 

But he thinks that to bat in a lower position is not an easy job.

‘To bat at eight, there is huge pressure (laughs). There is maybe a situation where the team is playing well; also perhaps a situation where the team has not been doing well. That’s why I had said that I didn’t want to be the best batsman at the No. 8 position; rather, I want to be the best batsman in a higher position.’ 

Now he is getting prepared for his third India tour to play Tests; maybe this time he’s more mature and more ready. But he doesn’t want to think ahead. 

‘I can’t plan precisely anything before any tour. This creates added pressure. 

‘I didn’t think that I’d be the player of the series in Pakistan. My plan was to play well for my team. There will be expectations in the India series; I’ll have too. But if that always remains inside me, then that’ll be pressure. That’s why I try to be normal, to be in the process.’