Bangladesh head coach Russell Domingo doesn't see the reason behind the wide discussions on experienced campaigner Mahmudullah's form.
There is a sentiment in the top level of the Bangladesh Cricket Board and among the supporters that Mahmudullah is not being able to deliver in accordance with his potential.
The echoes got louder following the right-hand batter's dismissal at a crucial time of the first ODI against visitors India at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium last Sunday.
Bangladesh eventually won the game by one wicket, riding on Mehedi Hasan Miraz's batting heroics.
The home side with a 1-0 lead in the series will take on the tourists in the second and penultimate ODI at the same venue Wednesday.
There is also a bit of a debate in the community with regards to wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim.
Domingo while speaking to the media on the eve of the second ODI emphasized on his and the team's belief in Mahmudullah, and reminded that it was only a couple of games ago the cricketer had scored an unbeaten half century.
Mahmudullah in the previous ODI series, against Zimbabwe last August, scored an unbeaten 20 in the first game, followed by an unbeaten 80 in the second and a 39-run innings in the third.
“Firstly, I am going to defend my players. Mushfiq retired from T20s,” said Domingo.
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“Second point is, the last two games in Zimbabwe, Mahmudullah got 80 and 39. I am very reluctant to say that (Mahmudullah apparently struggling). Both players have had times in their career when they were searching for runs. It was one ODI ago that he got 80. I have no concerns with him at the moment. All players go through these phases in the older part of their careers. I still have a lot of faith in his ability and batting,” the former South African cricketer added.
The Bangladesh coach also pressed on the need to have Mahmudullah in the Bangladesh ODI set-up that is now preparing for the 50-over World Cup, set to take place in India in October-November next year.
“We have 12 ODIs before the World Cup. It is a great opportunity to look at different combinations and give guys an opportunity to play. When we get to the World Cup, we want to see them in those particular roles. (Yasir Ali Chowdhury) Rabbi did it in South Africa, got a fifty. He came into couple of difficult situations in the T20s with only a couple of overs left. Afif (Hossain) for me is the guy at the backend. I am still backing Mahmudullah's ability and experience to get us out of tricky situations,” Domingo explained.
Meanwhile, right-arm pacer Taskin Ahmed has been ruled out of the second ODI as well.
The in-form fast bowler missed the first game due to a recurring back pain.
The injury is better now and Taskin Tuesday attended the team practice session in Mirpur, and bowled a few overs in the nets.
But Domingo does not want to take any sort of risk in making Taskin play the second game.
“Taskin had an injection about three or four days ago. He has done a bit of gym and had a bit of a bowl for five six overs. I'm not sure we want to risk playing him yet. There is a lot of cricket to be played, there are a few Test matches and also have opportunity to keep developing the other fast bowlers. So, I don't think we want to risk playing him yet, but he is on his way to recovery,” Domingo informed.
