Bangladesh’s T20 side has often been accused of being too predictable with its spin options. In 2025, however, a fresh debate has emerged. The numbers suggest that left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed deserves far more than a passing glance from the selectors. The question is whether his inclusion comes at the expense of leg-spinner Rishad Hossain.
The statistics tell their own story. Nasum has played just two T20 internationals this year, but in that limited window he has been nothing short of outstanding. Five wickets in eight overs at an average of 8.60, an economy of 5.37, and a strike rate of 9.6 make him the most incisive spin option Bangladesh have fielded in 2025. In a format where bowlers are routinely hammered at more than eight runs an over, his control stands out.
By contrast, Rishad Hossain’s returns from a much larger sample size are far less flattering. Eleven matches have brought him ten wickets at an average of 34.30 and an economy of 8.72. He has been expensive and has struggled to break through at key moments. Bangladesh’s management may argue that Rishad offers variety as a leg-spinner in a country where wrist-spin is a rare commodity but his output this year has not matched his potential.
The balance of the side complicates the discussion further. Mahedi Hasan, with 11 wickets at 25.54 and a respectable economy of 8.14, remains the leading spinner in terms of consistency. Mehidy Hasan Miraz continues to provide all-round value. For Nasum to force his way into the XI, it is almost inevitable that Rishad’s place would be the one under scrutiny.
Yet there is a cautionary note. Nasum’s brilliance has come from a very small sample. Two matches are hardly enough to build a full case and selectors may worry whether those numbers flatter him. T20 cricket can be brutally unforgiving, and it is entirely possible that opposition batters, once adjusted, may target him more effectively.
Even so, on current form, Bangladesh cannot ignore him. His economy alone is a weapon, particularly in powerplay or middle overs where control is paramount. If his wicket-taking continues, he could give the team a genuine cutting edge that has been missing.
The decision, then, is less about whether Nasum deserves an opportunity, which he clearly does, and more about how brave Bangladesh are prepared to be. Dropping Rishad would sacrifice wrist-spin variety for control and effectiveness. Sticking with him, on the other hand, risks persisting with a bowler who has not yet translated promise into performance.
The Batting Factor
Bowling is only part of the equation. Modern T20 sides place increasing value on batting depth, and here the three spinners bring different strengths.
Rishad Hossain clearly has the upper hand in firepower. His unbeaten 53 off 30 balls, which included seven sixes, remains one of the standout lower-order hitting performances by a Bangladeshi in T20 internationals. His 14 career sixes at T20 level reinforce that he is a genuine game-changer with the bat.
Mahedi Hasan, often balancing bowling with batting stability, has not been left out. He continues to deliver more with the bat this year, providing both rotation and occasional boundary-hitting.
Nasum Ahmed, while not a T20 hitter on the level of Rishad, has chipped in useful cameos. With a batting average of around 9.1 and a highest score of 19*, he can add 10–15 valuable lower-order runs when called upon.
In a format where every run matters, selectors must weigh whether Rishad’s power-hitting outweighs Nasum’s control with the ball. If Mahedi’s batting continues to improve, Bangladesh may lean towards Nasum’s economy and consistency, knowing Mahedi can cover much of the lower-order hitting.
For a team looking to build momentum ahead of major tournaments, this is exactly the kind of selection call that defines ambition. Nasum has forced his way into the conversation. Now it is up to Bangladesh to decide whether to back numbers, instinct, or both.