Every game is a challenge: Mithun
Centuries from Liton Das and Tamim Iqbal in the first two ODIs have taken all the limelight but Mohammad Mithun's contributions would also have pleased the Bangladesh team management as the right-hander played a crucial role at number six in both wins over Zimbabwe.
Bangladesh managed to post 321 for six in the first ODI -- the country's highest ODI score against Zimbabwe – and apart from Liton's sublime 126 and Mohammad Saifuddin's cameo of three sixes, it was Mohammad Mithun's 41 ball fifty that helped the hosts post a big total.
The 29-year-old once again made a valuable contribution in the second ODI, hitting an unbeaten 32 off 18 balls which made up for Bangladesh losing too many wickets in the latter stages.
Mithun, who started his career back in 2014 as a top-order batsman, is now playing a vital role in the middle order and the right-hander is among the few players who plays in all the three formats for the Tigers.
According to Mithun, his role is a very challenging one and there are many times when his performance gets overshadowed but he is enjoying the role he has been given by the team management.
"Actually, every game is challenging as I am not in a stage where I will be rated as an upcoming player who will get more time [to settle into the team]. I am in the middle as I am not young, nor a senior, and played a lot of cricket. So, there is less room for me to make mistakes as I would have to pay heavily.
"So, I have to be more careful as you all know there are a few players whose performances gets highlighted even after doing a little, while few others don't get that despite doing well. If I don't play well in one game people will say I am not in form but they forget what I did in the previous game. It is because of the stage of my career… not being a youngster. I may not get success all the time but I always try my best," Mithun told The Daily Star at the team hotel in Sylhet yesterday.
Clear instructions from the team management about his role has also worked well for the batsman.
"Right now, I am batting at number six in the ODIs and in that position, it will be a different situation every day. I have to realise that I can't bat in a fashion similar to an opener who can adapt to the conditions first and then play his own game.
"For me, the game totally depends on the scoreboard, like how many wickets fell and how many overs remain in the game. Coach [Russell Domingo] helped me a lot as he gave a clear view on what to do in particular situations. It actually makes me clear on what to do, so it gives you a direction and removes the confusion. It worked well for me in the two games against Zimbabwe and these small things help a lot," he said.
With no regrets about not getting as much limelight as others in the national team, Mithun said it is always a matter of pride for him to represent the country and contribute for the team and look to improve his game every day.
"When I started my career, I was young and I have learned as time went on. I think my career has changed after I got married in 2013 in terms of hard work and having a good mindset. I did not have the purpose in my cricket, which has changed immensely on my return to the ODI side in the [2018] Asia Cup. I have read somewhere that Sachin Tendulkar said that even when he retired from cricket, he felt there was still more to learn for him, and I also believe the same as you will improve as you play more," Mithun said.