Rishad Hossain, the tall leg-spinner known for his googlies and ability to generate extra bounce, has also been praised for hitting big shots in the later stages of an innings.
However, in the ongoing Asia Cup, Rishad has looked off-form. In Bangladesh’s tournament opener against Hong Kong, he took two wickets but conceded 31 runs, including two fours and two sixes.
In the second match against Sri Lanka, skipper Litton Das used him for only one over, which went for 18 runs and included two fours. Bangladesh eventually lost by six wickets while defending 139, and Rishad was not given the ball again.
So, what went wrong? What happened to his line and length?
Spin bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed offered some answers. Speaking ahead of Bangladesh’s must-win match against Afghanistan to keep their Super Four hopes alive, Mushtaq admitted he was concerned about Rishad’s recent form.
He explained that Rishad has been trying too many different deliveries in a single over, which has affected his rhythm and, in turn, the team’s performance. “Sometimes, as a young leg-spinner, you forget. When you try too many variations in one over, especially in the early overs, you start losing your line and length,” Mushtaq said.
He added that Rishad has a lot to learn. “His strength should be to focus on the first three balls, bowl in good areas, and build confidence. Once that is established, variations can follow. He also needs to quickly figure out which ball to bowl in different situations, which is very important.”
On Monday evening, Bangladesh practiced under the lights for two hours. Rishad was seen working closely with Mushtaq on spin-bowling drills as the team prepared for the crucial clash against Afghanistan.
There is a slight chance that Rishad could miss out on the XI, with left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed also bowling in the nets. Considering matchups against Afghanistan’s right-hand batters, Nasum could replace him.
If the team management gives Rishad another chance, it will be a significant test for both him and the team.
