Bangladesh stand-in captain Mahmudullah enjoys captaincy as it enhances his responsibility to do better for the team. From early in his career, the right-arm all-rounder has dreamt of leading the Tigers but till date has not been given the post for good. Mahmudullah has been dealing as Bangladesh vice-captain in phases since 2011 but has recently got the opportunity to lead the team.
With Shakib Al Hasan recuperating from a long-term finger injury Mahmudullah was first found in the leadership role earlier this year as then led the Tigers in the Tests and T20I’s at home against Sri Lanka along with the tri-nation Nidahas Trophy. With Shakib missing the Zimbabwe Test series starting saturday, the honor to lead the team has once again come to Mahmudullah
The Tigers will take on touring Zimbabwe at the Sylhet International Stadium in the first Test on Saturday. Till date Mahmudullah has led Bangladesh in two Test matches and five T20I, all due to absence of Shakib. With Shakib to take some more time to recover from a finger injury and return to action, Mahmudullah is likely to lead the Tigers even into the home series against West Indies in November-December this year.
“Captaincy always moves me. I have said it before that I try to enjoy this role, everyone in the team is helpful and now I am waiting to play and perform my role well,” said Mahmudullah to the media at Sylhet International Stadium on Friday.
“It is true that captaincy gives me an added challenge. It inspires me to do well and puts additional responsibility to give my best output. But before anything else I first have to think of the service I need to give the team. I enjoy this role and I think it helps my game,” the 32-year-old added.
The biggest challenge for a substitute captain is to be different to leave a mark. Without any doubt Mahmudullah is one of the most respected and admired personalities in the Bangladesh dressing room and there have been many occasions where he has bagged praise for his captaincy in the domestic cricket.
Speaking of the style he wants to lead Bangladesh in the Test series, Mahmudllah said, “I always try to give my players the freedom. It is very important. Players have more chances to perform their role well that way. So I give this facet most importance. Captaincy at time depends on gut feeling and at times it backfires. At times the situation demands a lot of things and you have to act according to that,” Mahmudullah added.