Also read: Big-match player Mahmudullah restores his importance
The latest was when a huge controversy struck the national dressing room over his exclusion from the Test and ODI team during their tour of Sri Lanka earlier this year. But all these experiences have transformed Mahmudullah into a matured, calm and settled individual, compared to when he had started his journey. “I think I am mentally now more clam and settled compared to when I started. I am now more positive and aggressive on the field. These things are helping me to survive and contribute for the team. Fitness-wise, I believe I have bettered myself but it is tough to maintain that,” Mahmudullah told the media on Tuesday. Since his international bow in 2007, during their tour of Sri Lanka, he has played 33 Tests, 145 ODIs and 58 T20Is. If the three international formats are combined, the 31-year old, hailing from Mymensingh, has scored 5774 runs and picked up 131 wickets.
“There have been ups and downs in my career. But at this point, I will hope that we as a team continue and hold onto our performance. We have been doing it for the last few years. We were No 10 in ODI ranking when I started playing for the team but now we have reached six. So I will hope that we can be in the top three or four in the coming years, that is important to us. I personally want to prepare myself that way and will hope others in the team will do the same,” said Mahmudullah.A part of the “so-called” “big five” in the Bangladesh team, Mahmudullah comparatively did not have the luxury of an easy-going career. Let it be the commercial aspect or the thought of being axed from the team thanks to the influx of young and talented off-spinning all-rounders, Mahmudullah always had to fight for his place in the side. He said, “Honestly this competition is positive for the team. I take it very positively as it will make our team better. Healthy competition is always good for the team.
Also read: Team always comes first for me, says Mahmudullah
“I cannot judge if my life is the toughest among the seniors in the team but yes, there has been lots of ups and downs. I am still wearing the Bangladesh jersey and hope to keep contributing for the team using my experience,” added Mahmudullah, who hopes to continue playing in the national colours for years to come. “I have not thought of life after cricket yet and I will hope that day is far away. I wish to hold onto the fitness both physically and mentally. It is tough to maintain as there are barriers but it is important to pass those hurdles.” When queried if he would like to see Bangladesh win a 50-over World Cup by the time he ends his journey in international cricket, Mahmudullah said, “That depends on time and performance. Year 2018 will be very important for us as it will be our platform to ready ourselves for the 2019 World Cup. Performance in that year will be key to our confidence and assessment of the team. I personally believe that we can do wonderful things in the coming years but for that, we will have to continue what we are currently doing.”
