When it comes to captaincy, Mashrafe Bin Mortaza has been deemed a phenomenal leader on the cricket pitch. A captain like him automatically raises the bar for existing players as well as newcomers, so much that we often ask ourselves, ‘Who will become the next Mashrafe?’ If we were to make predictions, there are a few potential candidates on the bench who might just be able to fit into Mashrafe’s shoes in a few years’ time.
Shakib Al Hasan
One of the best cricketers in Bangladesh, 29-year old Shakib often tops the list of all-rounders. There’s always a debate that Shakib is a much better performer in comparison to his team mates; surprisingly he could not properly measure the abilities and lackings of other players, as a captain.
Strengths: All-rounder, has a positive mindset 100%
Weakness: Has unrealistic Expectations- 30%
Mosaddek Hossain
The 20-year old Mosaddek , holds all the qualities of Sabbir. He’s already gotten a taste of international cricket. Apart from his impeccable batting and effective bowling he’s learn to keep calm on the pitch. Unfortunately, his lack of experience in captaincy reduces his chances making the jump to Mashrafe’s spot.
Strengths: Right arm off break bowling 50%, calmness 70%
Weakness: Lack of captaincy -60%
Mahmudullah Riyad
One of the most dedicated team players in the middle order, Mahmudullah often remains as the unsung hero as his contribution in the cricket pitch speaks louder than his record as a player. Mahmudullah’s skill portrays him as someone who provides a calm influence for his team-mates. He is exemplary of a successful skipper; in fact the 30-year old is a shoo-in for captaincy after Mashrafe.
Strengths: Capacity wise 50%
Weakness: Calmness 30%
Mushfiqur Rahim
Mashrafe took over the captaincy for ODI from Mushfiq, one of the finest batsmen Bangladesh has ever seen. Despite being replaced, the 28-year old still leads the test side. Although his skills as a player are admirable, his leadership skills have been subjected to speculation. Mushfiq, who made his debut at the age of 16, will carry on for another decade which will put him in a revered position in the hall of fame of Bangladesh cricket.
Strengths: Batting 80%, Wicket-keeping 20%
Weakness: -50 for lack of proactive captaincy
Sabbir Rahman
Sabbir is a perfect example of Bangladesh’s new era of cricket that is fearless and has the insatiable hunger to win. Besides being a fierce and intelligent bowler he’s also an agile fielder, hence he was able to land a place in the national side at the shorter versions of the game and look forward to do so in the longer version. He also has shown good leadership skills as he led Bangladesh to win their first ever Asian Gold medal and in the final he played a crucial innings to lead from the front. Sabbir has a high probability of filling Mashrafe’s shoes.
Strengths: Bowling and fielding 40%
Weakness: Positive mindset 30%
Mehedi Hasan Miraz
It is extremely difficult to predict the future of 18-year old Miraz. But it seems like the odds are certainly in favour of this newcomer. He led the Bangladesh under-19 team at the age of 16 in the World Cup 2014 and did that again earlier this year. In all likelihood, within a few years this talented young man is set to do the toughest thing in Bangladesh cricket, filling the shoes of Mashrafe.
Strengths: Right arm off-break bowling 50%
Weakness: Leadership quality 40%