Miraz Aims to Build a Settled ODI Side for Bangladesh

Bangladesh's newly appointed ODI captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz brimmed with confidence to make the side into a settled unit in 50-over format cricket, a format in which they saw a huge slump of late. The ODI format was believed to be Bangladesh's favourite format but they are currently ranked 10th in the ICC ODI rankings following their inconsistent performance over the last two years. Miraz said his immediate goal is to improve the rankings and bring back the aura they enjoyed in this format earlier. "I think it's the high time to settle the ODI team," Miraz said here today. "At one time, we were ranked fifth; now we're 10th. This is the moment to rebuild and reassess." "Of late we saw two of our senior cricketers retired from this format. I think those who will get opportunity need to use it and I believe within one year, we can set up the team." Miraz took over captaincy role from Najmul Hossain Shanto, who will now only lead in Test format. With Miraz being appointed as ODI captain, Bangladesh now got three captains for three formats of the cricket. Liton Das earlier was appointed Bangladesh's T20 captain. 

Miraz said he wants to create an environment in the dressing where everyone will feel free to share their thoughts. At the same time, he wants everyone to take the responsibility for the team's betterment. "Of course, it's our time to take responsibility. We have played a sufficient number of international matches for the last eight to nine years," the 27-year old allrounder said. "Junior players have to perform the way we did when we started. I have got support from my senior players when I stepped into the Bangladesh dressing room. Now I will try to help them as the seniors did with me and want to give such a dressing room so that they feel all are with them." Miraz earlier led Bangladesh in two Tests and four ODIs when Shanto was injured. But he was able to lead Bangladesh in just one Test match. However, he said the long term will help him devise a good plan to take the team forward. "It's always good for a captain to get this job for a long time," he said. "When you will be sure that you are captain for a long time, it's possible to think about future and adopt a long term plan. It can boost up the team. As I got captaincy for a year, I want to make the team better in this time frame."

Miraz expressed his gratitude to his previous captains, saying that he would try to execute what he learnt from them. "I started my career under the captaincy of Mashrafe Bin Mortaza who was then ODI captain. My Test career began under the leadership of Mushfiqur Rahim. I also played under the captaincy of Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal and others," he said. "I've learned a lot from them, especially how they made tough decisions and stood firm under pressure," he said, adding that that's something he'll try to carry forward. "You won't always get the result you want, but how you lead in those moments matters."