Tigers hunting for new keeper

For the first time in 44 T20Is, Mushfiqur Rahim took the field yesterday without his keeping gloves. They were instead handed over to a younger Nurul Hasan, a player who many consider to be the best wicket-keeper in the country at the moment.

The move didn't surprise many. The 28-year-old had to give up his gloves in both Tests and ODIs a number of times last year. However, yesterday's decision must have been a bit difficult for Mushfiqur to make.

The signal from the team management seemed quite clear. Despite his love for keeping, there is a chance that he may not be the first-choice behind the stumps in any of the formats in the near future.

Speaking to The Daily Star on the issue, former national skipper Khaled Mashud believed that it was a good move to promote Nurul.

"The entire idea of the team management, whether they are trying to find a backup or a successor, is something that I believe works well for the team. Mushfiqur is undoubtedly the best batsman in our team and this can only help him.

"In addition, I have seen [Nurul Islam] Shohan in domestic cricket and I think Bangladesh have found an excellent keeper. He is tall, athletic and also a very good batsman," continued Mashud.

"Mushfiqur may feel a little bad, but what he needs to understand is that this move is in no way a threat to his position. He is the most consistent batsman we have and this move can only help him grow," he added.

Skipper Mashrafe Bin Mortaza also spoke highly of Nurul but indicated that it was still too early to expect the youngster to don the gloves permanently.

"If you look at the decision, it is obviously a bit difficult because Mushfiqur has been keeping for the last ten years in all the levels. But it's a good thing that senior players like him and Shakib have changed their positions for the team.

"It's not necessary that we will follow the same format in every game though," said Mashrafe.

"[Nurul Hasan] Shohan did his job. He rotated the strike, hit the odd boundary and remained relaxed at that point of time, which I think is very important. He is an exciting prospect. He kept and kept outstandingly. He is young and we feed off his enthusiasm," the skipper concluded.