He has been closely monitored for a while now and is treated as the next big thing in Bangladesh cricket. The young cricketer in question is none other than Mosaddek Hossain, who is better known as Saikat among his friends and team mates.
An outstanding and consistent performer in the domestic circuit for the last two-three years, the 19-year old is the first and only Bangladesh cricketer to score three first-class double centuries in a calender year.
In the previous edition of the National Cricket League, the Mymensingh lad blasted 742 runs in six matches at an average of 82.44.
And it seems that Mosaddek has started from where he had left off. The right-hander smashed an unbeaten 200 recently for Barisal in the ongoing 17th NCL and followed it up with a fine half-century in the second innings. He is also a handy off-spinner.
The elegant Mosaddek, who has already caught the attention through his trademark cover drives, spoke with Dhaka Tribune yesterday and during the course of the exclusive interview, the talented cricketer talked about a number of topics, including his ultimate target of playing for the national side in the not-too-distant future.
Here are the excerpts:
When do you see yourself representing the national side?
Previously, I set a target of playing for the national team by this year. However, I think I am quite far from achieving that at the moment. Still, I aim to play for Bangladesh by the next one year or so as this has been my dream ever since I started playing cricket.
Some of your Under-19 colleagues like Liton Kumar Das, Mustafizur Rahman and Jubair Hossain are now playing for the Tigers. Does that motivate you?
Liton is a very good friend of mine. Obviously, it feels great when I see my friends playing for the national team. But at the same time, it makes me more motivated. I would dearly want to play for the national team with the cricketers that I had played with in the age-level groups. Yes, to tell you the truth, the fact that my friends are playing for the national side motivates me all the time. I am eagerly awaiting my turn.
You are the first and only Bangladesh batsman to score three double centuries in a year. Your thoughts on that?
It feels great. I always used to watch Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene playing big knocks one after another. I thought whenever I get an opportunity to play a big innings, I will not let go of the chance. Records are meant to be broken but at times, it works as a motivation.
You possess twin abilities to bat for long periods and score quick runs at the same time. How do you gear yourself up for the different formats? Do you alter your approach in accordance with the situation?
In the earlier times, I was comfortable playing 50 overs and T20 matches. But gradually, I started loving the longer format. However, I never tried to change my approach to batting. In the longer version, I just go for it whenever I get the opportunity to score. But yes, comparatively, longer version is more difficult as you cannot lose your concentration even for a single ball. I usually play my natural game. And I never lose my focus during a crucial knock.
Apart from your batting, you are also a handy off-spinner. Do you work hard on your bowling?
I was mainly a genuine off-spinner during my childhood. However, things changed gradually. But whenever I get the chance to bowl, I try to give my hundred percent. I work on my bowling apart from my batting. I bowl regularly in the nets and I want to be involved in the game by any means possible.
You have represented all the Bangladesh age-level sides and also captained the Tigers’ U-19 side in a home series against Sri Lanka. Do you think your captaincy helps you to improve as a player?
It really helped me while playing for the age-level groups. I learned to take good care of myself. And being under the guidance of the board actually gives you more opportunities. The facilities really helped me to groom myself for the future. I feel lucky I followed the right track. And at the same time, I would like to thank [Nazmul Abedeen] Fahim sir and [Zafrul] Ehsan sir as they helped me whenever I needed them.
Who is your role model?
I love the batting style and approach of Virat Kohli as he is very exciting to watch. While in Bangladesh, I like Nasir [Hossain] bhai and I think he is a complete cricketer and a treat to watch.
