Exclusive: Mahedi Hasan Ready for Any Role as Bangladesh Build T20 Momentum

Bangladesh’s recent T20I triumphs against Sri Lanka and Pakistan have brought a renewed sense of belief within the team, and for vice-captain Mahedi Hasan, the momentum is both a reward and a reminder.

While he continues to enjoy the team’s growing success, the off-spinning all-rounder remains conscious of the demands of consistency and versatility in modern T20 cricket.

A BRIGHT RETURN IN COLOMBO

After sitting out the first two games of the three-match series against Sri Lanka, Mahedi made a resounding return in the decider in Colombo. 

The 29-year-old showcased his ability to rise to the occasion, claiming four wickets and playing a key role in securing Bangladesh’s eight-wicket win to seal the series.

However, his performance dipped slightly against Pakistan in the subsequent home series in Mirpur, where he picked up three wickets at the cost of 98 runs in 11 overs across three games. 

Despite that, Bangladesh clinched the series 2-1, a result that Mahedi believes is vital for the team's morale heading into a busy international calendar.

“Every win brings joy and confidence, and it is no different for us as well,” Mahedi told SportsBoom.com in an exclusive interview.

“You have to remember we were not performing very well before the T20I series wins against Sri Lanka and Pakistan. We still have a lot of areas to improve and work on, but having said that, we should also celebrate our hard-earned victories."

CONSISTENCY IS KEY

Mahedi, who has featured in 47 T20Is for Bangladesh since his debut in 2018, understands the fickle nature of T20 team combinations and the importance of consistent performances to remain in the mix. As a bowling all-rounder, he knows the pressure is always on to deliver across departments.

“It feels good when you perform,” he said. 

“But players of my type need to perform regularly, or else we might be dropped due to the team combination.”

He added: “So for me, every match is challenging as I need to perform whenever I get the opportunity. When you get to play more matches consistently, you tend to learn from your mistakes and apply that to get better.”

Interestingly, Mahedi finds added motivation when playing overseas, where conditions are less favourable for spinners and the standard of opposition is often higher.

“I enjoy playing overseas more as I like to take on the challenge since the wickets and conditions are different from what we normally play on at home,” he said. 

“There you have quality batters and the pitches are not spin-friendly. I always feel I have the courage to accept such challenges as a bowler.”

He added that having the team’s backing during low phases allows him to perform with freedom and focus. 

“As a player, there will be ups and downs, but when the team backs you, it helps you to freely express yourself.”

BATTLING WITH THE BAT

Recognising the evolution of the T20 format, where multi-dimensional players are more valuable than ever, Mahedi is investing considerable effort into improving his batting. He knows that contributing with the bat could be the difference between keeping or losing his place in the XI.

“I am ready to bat at any position as per the demands of the team,” he said. 

“But if I get an opportunity to bat at number seven or eight, I would like to finish and win the game. Maybe I won't be able to do it all the time, but my approach and attitude will remain the same.”

Mahedi pointed out that lower-order batters face a particular challenge in modern T20s. 

“All the quality bowlers in world cricket generally bowl during the death overs. So, it is difficult to score at that position.”

He is also preparing himself for a potential promotion up the order, in case of a tactical reshuffle or a top-order collapse.

“My role might change if I’m batting up the order, but in that case, I need to take preparation so that I can take up the challenge if I am promoted or have to go early.”

As Bangladesh looks to build a well-rounded T20 unit ahead of major assignments, his evolution into a dependable all-rounder could prove vital. With his focus firmly on improvement and team success, Mahedi seems ready to meet the challenges that lie ahead—on and off the pitch.