3 Players who can replace Mushfiqur Rahim in Bangladesh’s ODI squad

3 Players who can replace Mushfiqur Rahim in Bangladesh’s ODI squad (Source: Sameer Ali/Getty Images)

Bangladesh’s seasoned wicketkeeper-batter, Mushfiqur Rahim, announced his retirement from the ODI format on March 5. Notably, one of the senior-most players represented the Bangla Tigers in 274 matches in an impressive career that spanned over 19 years.

Being one of the best that Bangladesh cricket has produced, his retirement has turned out to be a void which will be a difficult space to fill in the country’s international cricket team, both as a dependable wicketkeeper and a middle-order batsman. And now, identifying and finding a suitable replacements is vital for maintaining the team’s competing edge.

Here are three players who can replace Mushfiqur Rahim in ODIs:

3. Zakir Hasan

Bangladesh’s Zakir Hasan is an emerging talent who has garnered immense attention with his batting and keeping skills and batting prowess in the domestic circuit. His achievements in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and domestic first-class matches have caught the senior selectors’ attention thoroughly.

Zakir’s enthusiastic approach towards the game and hunger for success makes him a candidate to look out for the national team. Bringing him up into the ODI setup could provide Bangladesh with a fresh prospect and bolster their either their number three spot or the middle order variations.

2. Nurul Hasan

Another young talented wicketkeeper-batter Nurul Hasan has been on the notes of the national team for quite some time. Majorly recognized for his aggressive batting style and swiftness behind the stumps, Nurul has delivered persistent performances in domestic cricket and during his limited appearances in international games.

His experience as a skipper, having captained several domestic sides, further strengthens his credentials. With Mushfiqur’s retirement, Nurul has a crucial chance to cement his place in the Bangladesh ODI squad and showcase his potential on the international stage.

1. Litton Das

Litton Das stands out as the most immediate and experienced replacement. A proficient wicketkeeper and a right handed batter, Das has been a common face in Bangladesh’s cricket international setup since his debut in 2015. Until December 2024, he has played 94 ODIs, amassing 2,569 runs at an average of 30.22. During these games, he scored five centuries and 12 fifties, respectively.

Notably, his highest ODI score, 176, is the highest individual score for Bangladesh in ODI cricket. Behind the stumps, Litton has been reliable, with 58 catches and four stumpings in ODIs. His dual ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed makes him a valuable asset. Having already shared wicketkeeping duties with Mushfiqur in the past, Litton’s transition to the primary wicketkeeper-batsman role is expected to be seamless.

Disclaimer: The information presented in this news article is based on the author’s insights, analysis, and perspective. Readers are encouraged to evaluate the details thoughtfully and draw their own conclusions.

habiba sultana

See Full Bio