The Global Super League 2024 is set to bring together top cricketing talent from around the world, and Rishad Hossain of the Rangpur Riders has emerged as one of the most exciting players to watch.
Known for his sharp legspin and clutch performances, Rishad’s recent success at the 2024 T20 World Cup marked a breakthrough moment, not just for him but for Bangladesh cricket as a whole.
Finishing with 14 wickets in the tournament, Rishad’s tally matched Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan, placing him third among the competition’s top wicket-takers, an extraordinary feat for a player from a country with little history in legspin bowling.
Bangladesh’s cricket history has rarely seen legspinners in prominent roles, as this style of bowling has long been met with skepticism at the domestic level. Yet, Rishad has managed to rewrite the narrative, transitioning from being a novelty act to a true match-winner.
Rishad’s journey to international recognition accelerated after Chandika Hathurusinghe rejoined as Bangladesh’s head coach. Hathurusinghe, a vocal advocate for legspin as a crucial element in modern bowling attacks, played a pivotal role in Rishad’s rise.
Just a month after Hathurusinghe’s return, Rishad made his T20I debut in a match against Ireland in 2023, breaking through years of domestic indifference and limited playing opportunities.
The journey wasn’t without challenges. Rishad’s tour of New Zealand in December 2023 brought limited success, as he managed just one wicket in five white-ball matches. However, he rebounded in the following series against Sri Lanka, where he showcased his versatility not only with the ball but also as a power hitter.
Rishad’s 18-ball unbeaten 48 in the third ODI against Sri Lanka included seven sixes, setting a record for the most sixes by a Bangladeshi batter in a T20I. He also achieved the fourth-highest strike rate by a Bangladeshi batter in the format, signaling his potential as a valuable all-rounder.
Rishad’s domestic performance in the 2024 Dhaka Premier League was equally impressive, where he claimed 23 wickets for Shinepukur Cricket Club, including a five-wicket haul and two four-wicket games. This stellar domestic form carried over to the international stage during the T20 World Cup, where he demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure.
His spells against teams like Sri Lanka, the Netherlands, and Afghanistan secured him three-wicket hauls, and he held his nerve bowling in the death overs against heavyweights like India and South Africa.
Now, as Rishad Hossain joins the Rangpur Riders in the Global Super League 2024, fans and experts alike are eagerly anticipating his continued evolution. His entry into this prestigious league not only symbolizes his personal success but also highlights a broader shift in Bangladeshi cricket towards embracing diverse bowling styles.
With his recent achievements and growing confidence, Rishad Hossain is undoubtedly a player to watch as the Global Super League unfolds, marking the start of an exciting new chapter in his promising career.