[CRK] Mushtaq Ahmed: Rishad Hossain Needs Mental Strength, Not Dropped Due to Poor Form

[CRK]

Mushtaq Ahmed: Rishad Hossain Needs Mental Strength, Not Dropped Due to Poor Form

Rishad Hossain didn’t have the best time in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) this season. Playing for Rawalpindiz, he struggled with his bowling and was eventually left out of the playing XI. Later, he was also not included in Bangladesh’s lineup for the final ODI against New Zealand. However, according to spin bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed, this decision was not because of poor form.

Mushtaq explained that the move was mainly to help Rishad grow mentally and become stronger under pressure. He also mentioned that the team management wants to give opportunities to all the spin bowlers in the squad. At the same time, he opened up about why Rishad has been a bit expensive with the ball.

“Different variation. Using a crease also for his googly. So his googly has to improve a bit more. So the angle of the googly, which side you have to ball to right-hand is close to the stamp, wider the stamp. So using a crease with the basic strong repeatable action, I always use that phrase. I think that’s very important for as a leg spinner because you guys know leg spinner can be expensive,” Mushtaq said.

Rishad’s Development Process

Talking about leaving him out of the final ODI, Mushtaq said it was part of his development process. “This is a part of his progress. Sometimes when you sit out, this is our duty as a coach is to make his mind strong. International cricket is all about having a great temperament. It’s a mind game rather than anything else because skill can bring you here. But here you have to survive with a mindset. You got to have a strong mindset to stay in international level. So I think this is our duty, as my duty as a coach with Rishad. So mentally making him more tougher, when things are not right or you get.”

He made it clear that Rishad wasn’t dropped. “He was not dropped, basically. He was ball very well in last ODI. But we just want to get more stronger in other spinners also. So when something happened, all the spinners have some games. So yes, this is our duty to make sure when people are not playing, they mentally should be very positive.”

Building Depth in the Spin Department

Mushtaq also spoke about building depth in the spin department. “We want the bench strength strong. So you see lots of variation happens, like last game, like on a crucial game, even Tanvir played, Rishad didn’t play. So when we go to the World Cup, so bench strength and all the other players have lots of cricket matches under their belts, so they can be prepared for player for the national team. So I think in 2027, we’re looking forward to, Insha’Allah, do well again in wide ball cricket. And obviously, the guys are very mentally, as I said, when you win matches, it gives you lots of extra confidence.”