Riyad hunts for rhythm
The final round of the Bangladesh Cricket League's four-day competition, which begins Sunday, is going to be important for a number of national players.
Opener Imrul Kayes for instance will hope he can continue his good run following a brilliant Pakistan series; Soumya Sarkar will want to better learn the art of the longer version cricket. Simultaneously, an under pressure Anamul Haque will fight the two lefties in order to get back his opening position in the national team.
However, as far as personal battles go, few can eclipse the one that Mahmudullah Riyad is enduring at the moment.
The feats that Bangladesh's World Cup hero achieved in Australia and New Zealand earlier this year will no doubt be etched in the memories of many, however what seemed concerning was the way his form dropped barely a month later.
Riyad had scores of 5, 17 and 4 in the ODIs against Pakistan, and averaged 8.66 with the bat -- his second lowest in a three-match ODI series and only the fourth time that he averaged below 10 in his career.
The batsman, who whipped New Zealand's pacers in their own den without an ounce of fear, lost his timber on all three occasions.
Aware of the threatening scenario, Riyad is doing all he can to get his rhythm back. He was one of the few players to hit the nets at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in the last few days and considers the last round of the BCL as one of his biggest opportunities.
"There's no doubt that the last round of the BCL will be important for everyone. I play every match very seriously, but honestly, I hope to do something more in the upcoming four-day match. I hope that I can utilise this round and prepare myself in the best possible manner," Riyad told The Daily Star over phone.
"During the last series, I had plenty of hope. I was in such good form. But unfortunately it didn't work out for me. I want to play a big innings in the last round and get my rhythm back. I am confident I can do that," he added.
Riyad was described by many as Bangladesh's unexpected hero in the World Cup, since he wasn't in the best form going into the World Cup. Ever since his two consecutive centuries, expectations have increased tenfold. Will that affect the player's form against a full-strength Indian outfit next month?
The 29-year-old certainly doesn't think so.
"This is a fresh series. What happened in the World Cup and against Pakistan is over. I am not thinking about those matches.
"The good news for us is that India have opted to send their full-strength team. This will only encourage us to player our best cricket. We will be very happy if we can put up our best display against a top team in this series," said Riyad.
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