No plan to take off Mushfiq’s keeping gloves

Bangladesh wicket-keeper batsman Mushfiqur Rahim often attracts criticism over his ability, or in other words lack of it, as the wicket-keeper. And it has been no different in the ongoing series for the experienced Bangladesh campaigner. Dropping catches behind the stumps, missing run-out opportunities and quick reaction have often haunted Mushfiqur as a wicket-keeper.

As Bangladesh approaching through the road map for the ICC World T20I 2020, discussion is wide if the team management should look into the options as wicket-keeper in Liton Das or Mohammad Mithun who are currently a regular member of the team in shortest format of the game.

However, Bangladesh head coach Russell Domingo brushed away of having any concern with Mushfiqur as the wicket-keeper. The former South Africa coach rather emphasised on the experience that Mushfiqur brings behind the stumps and that it also allows the team to have the best of the fielders, as in Liton, to work in saving runs.

@BCBtigers defeated @ACBofficials in the T20I format after more than five years as the Tigers managed a nervy four-wicket win over the Afghans during their tri-nation T20I series at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium Saturday.https://t.co/HYpVRVzfDM#BCBTIGERS #BCB #TIGERS #ACB

— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) September 21, 2019

“At the moment no [plan to change Mushfiqur]. We enjoy what Liton offers in the field, he is a fantastic fielder and he is a better fielder than Mushy [Mushfiqur]. For me having as many good fielders available to us is important. 

Those five or six runs saved by fielders like Liton, Afif [Hossain] and [Najmul Hossain] Shanto are very important in short format cricket,” said Domingo to the media at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Monday.

When quarried if Liton being a better fielder than Mushfiqur is the sole reason for not thinking of a change, Domingo explained, “It is one of the reasons. He [Liton] is a good a fielder. I am genuinely happy the way Mushy [Mushfiq] keeps. 

Middle-order batsman @mushfiqur15 is not on song in the ongoing series as the experienced right-handed batsman scored 32, five and nought in his last three innings.https://t.co/cw5FtJWTzx#BCBTIGERS #BCB #TIGERS #BANGLADESH #CRICKET #BANGLADESHCRICKET #MUSHFIQ #MUSHFIQURRAHIM

— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) September 21, 2019

He puts good energy behind the stumps, he is an experienced player and offers the captain advice. He has a got good view from behind the stumps, so there are lots of reasons to keep Mushfiqur the wicket-keeper.”

It is widely known that Bangladesh dressing room is not convinced about Mushfiqur as a fielder and Domingo’s statement has shed light on the topic. 

There have been occasions when the right-handed batsman stood as a fielder in matches, both in domestic and international, but kept inside the 30-yards for his below par ability when it comes to long throws. 

Mushfiqur undoubtedly is a major strength to Bangladesh batting and as it has been, the team is happy to carry him as a wicket-keeper despite questions being raised frequently.