India all-rounder Yusuf Pathan, who made his one-day international debut against Pakistan in Dhaka way back in 2008, announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Friday.

"I thank my family, friends, fans, teams, coaches and the whole country wholeheartedly for all the support and love," Yusuf tweeted, tagging a retirement statement.

"The time has come today for me to put a full stop to this innings of my life. I officially announce retirement from all forms of the game," wrote the 38-year-old all-rounder, who hails from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state of Gujarat.

A right-handed batsman and a right-arm off break bowler, Yusuf played 57 ODIs and 22 T20 internationals for India since making his international debut. He scored 810 ODI runs and picked up 46 wickets for India. He was also part of two World Cup winning teams. 

"Winning two World Cups for India and lifting Sachin Tendulkar on my shoulders were some of the best moments of my career," wrote Yusuf,  also the elder brother of another former India cricketer Irfan Pathan.

The hard-hitting middle-order batsman also played 100 first-class matches, scoring 4,825 runs and bagging 201 wickets. He last played for India in an ODI against South Africa in March 2012. He, however, did not play a single Test match for India.

Yusuf and Irfan hogged the limelight last year by doing philanthropic work during Covid-19 when they distributed face masks free of cost to the needy. The duo also runs the Cricket Academy of Pathans, where former India coach Greg Chappell is the chief mentor.

Can Bangladesh rely on Tamim Iqbal's captaincy in the Bangladesh v Newzealand ODI series? Tamim will be facing the toughest battle of his short ODI captaincy career when taking on New Zealand away from home in late March 2021. Bangladesh will play 3 ODIs against the host New Zealand and failing to win at least a match will put Tamim under pressure with the margin of error being next to nil.

ODI Captaincy record of Bangladesh

Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu led Bangladesh’s first-ever ODI match against Pakistan on 31st March in 1986. Since then, Bangladesh have played 379 ODIs and out of those they won 131 and lost 241 matches.

So far, 14 Cricketers have Captained Bangladesh in ODI format. Masharfe Mortaza is the most successful one-day captain ever for Bangladesh. Under his captaincy, Bangladesh won fifty matches and he is the only skipper who has a more than 50% winning ratio. Current skipper Tamim Iqbal managed to win 3 matches in 6 matches.

Source: Espncricinfo

Read Who can replace Shakib Al Hasan in Bangladesh Cricket Team?

How New Zealand Series will be an acid test for captain Tamim?

Tamim Iqbal was appointed as permanent ODI captain of Bangladesh in March last year (2020) following Mashrafe Mortaza’s retirement from the limited-overs captaincy role.

Tamim had to wait almost a year to lead the tiger’s national side due to the outbreak of novel coronavirus. After a long wait, the country’s most successful batsman started off the captaincy with a thumping 3-0 series victory over a second-tier Windies side in January this year.

Though the ODI series result was expected from the team Bangladesh. Therefore, Tamim's real test as a leader will be scrutinized during the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand. Getting positive results against New Zealand in their own backyard will be a difficult task for Bangladesh. Because team tigers lost all 26 matches, they played against the Blackcaps in New Zealand, out of those 13 were ODIs.

Bangladesh cricket fans are eagerly waiting for the series as we will be witnessing how Tamim Iqbal manages Bangladesh's limited-overs side away from home in a difficult condition.

This bilateral series will be a real acid test for Captain Tamim to gain trust from the Cricket Board as well as from the cricket lovers in general.

Tamim’s overall vision of the game, his batting approach being as a captain, how he delivers during the pressure situation, whether he is an aggressive or defensive-minded leader, his strategy or game plan all will be unveiled during the contest. So, this would be a very interesting series to judge his leadership skill.

Tamim needs to be patient and he should be given some time to get used to the role. We shouldn't jump into heavy criticism if he makes few mistakes while captaining the side.

Read Bangladesh ODI Squad Analysis for New Zealand Series 2021

What should be the ideal captaincy approach against New Zealand

Skipper Tamim’s leadership intelligence and understanding of the current situation will be under scrutiny depending upon the kind of playing XI he opts for during the series. But attacking mindset would be an ideal approach to push the Kiwis in the backfoot in their home field.

On the personal front, Tamim Iqbal himself would like to lead with the bat against a side that has bowlers like Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, and Tim Southee. He has some hard-hitters in the squad who can make a difference when needed.

While in bowling, Tamim needs to trust his faster bowlers and should use them properly as we all know New Zealand pitches heavily suits the faster bowlers.

Tamim Iqbal is confident to overcome a fear of the condition of New Zealand. “We know how tough the condition of New Zealand is for us. But it’s not impossible (to do well there). I hope we can achieve something there that we never had,” Tamim Iqbal said on Tuesday (February 23) before departing for New Zealand.

Why next (one) year will be crucial for Bangladesh's ODI side?

It’s still the early days of Tamim’s captaincy. The coming one year could well be a turnaround year in Bangladesh cricket. The tours to New Zealand, Zimbabwe, and the home series against England and Sri Lanka will define Tamim’s captaincy, and positive results in those series will give Bangladesh cricket added impetus.

This is not an ideal time to be a supporter of the team tigers as Bangladesh is going through a transition period. But the supporting staff and Bangladesh Cricket Board are trying hard to form a winnable set up for the national side. Above all, Bangladesh has a captain who is ready to play the anchor role to take the team forward.

Bangladesh Emerging team is set to take on Ireland Wolves in a four-day game on Friday in Chattogram's Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium.

Saif Hassan, the Test opener of Bangladesh, will lead the Emerging squad in the game, and Akbar Ali, the U-19 World Cup-winning captain, will be his deputy.

Also read: Emerging Cricket: Bangladesh finish runners-up losing to Pakistan by 77 runs

After the four-day game, the same venue will host three ODIs on March 5, 7 and 9.

Next, both teams will travel to Dhaka to play the last two one-dayers on March 12 and 14 and two T20s will be played on March 17 and 18.

Also read: Emerging Cricket: Bangladesh reach final eliminating Afghanistan by 7 wickets

Bangladesh Emerging team

Saif Hassan (captain), Akbar Ali (vice-captain), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Parvez Hossain Emon, Shahadat Hossain, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Towhid Hridoy, Anisul Islam, Shamim Patwary, Shafiqul Islam, Mukidul Islam Mugdho, Shahin Alom, Sumon Khan, Noman Chowdhury Sagor, Rejaur Rahman Raja, Aminul Islam Biplob, Rakibul Hasan, Tanvir Islam, Rishad Hossain, and Mahidul Islam Ankon.

Can anyone replace Shakib Al Hasan in the Bangladesh team? This brilliant all-rounder cricketer, Shakib has reached a unique height by showing great consistency in the international arena in the last decade for Bangladesh. Shakib has taken more than 500 wickets and 10,000 runs on the international stage and is already considered among the greatest all-rounders of all time. However, there is no doubt that he is the best cricketer that Bangladesh has ever produced. 

Being in his mid-30s, Shakib is nearing the end of his career and at one-point BCB has to think about alternative options to replace Shakib. In the article, we discussed potential players who have the talent to replace Shakib Al Hasan in the Bangladesh team.

 Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/bangladesh/content/player/56143.html

Read Hapless Bangladesh still searching for answers in Test cricket

Absence of Shakib Al Hasan in Test Cricket of Bangladesh

Kolkata Knight Riders have bought Shakib Al Hasan for more than Rs 3 crore in IPL 2021 auction. At this point, Shakib is not interested to play Test cricket for Bangladesh rather he wants to take part in the Indian Premier League.

Shakib officially informed the BCB that he wants NOC to participate in the IPL 14 instead of the Test series against the Lankan side in April-May.

Bangladesh Cricket Board officials and tigers cricket fans, in general, were surprised by the decision of Shakib Al Hasan. Many have raised questions about Shakib Al Hasan’s commitment towards Bangladesh cricket and his loyalty to the country.

The BCB is shaken by Shakib's decision and cricket board President Nazmul Hasan Papon told the reporters that this issue would be taken into consideration when signing the next central contract with the cricketers. Though Nazmul Hasan reaffirmed that the cricket board will not force anyone to play for Bangladesh against their will.

Due to Shakib's lack of interest in the longer version of cricket, there is a debate going on nationwide over who could be Shakib Al Hasan's alternative for the long run.

Prospective alternatives of Shakib Al Hasan in the Bangladesh team

It will be hard to find a suitable replacement for Shakib Al Hasan, who has served as among the top all-rounders in the world for more than a decade. However, there is no shortage of talented cricketers in Bangladesh at present. There are some talents who have the potential to become the best in the world.

Let's take a look at five players who can replace Shakib Al Hasan in the Bangladesh team.

Afif Hossain

Career stats: 141 | Runs: 3,461 | HS: 142 | Wkts: 70 | BBI: 7/66

Afif Hossain is a left-hand batsman and a handy right-hand off-break bowler. He made his international debut against Sri Lanka in a T20 match in the year 2018. This Khulna-born player has got everything to become one the finest player for Bangladesh in near future. He already shined for the Tigers in age-level competition and also showed his true potential in BPL as well. Afif took 5 wickets in his debut BPL match against Chittagong in 2016. At the domestic level, he notched five first-class centuries in 23 matches. At the age of 21, Afif Hossain has already shown a lot of maturity as an all-round player, and many Bangladeshi pundits already dubbed him as the next Shakib Al Hasan of Bangladesh.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz

Career stats: 210 | Runs: 3,429 | HS: 103 | Wkts: 322 | BBI: 7/24

Mehidy Miraz is already an established cricketer of the Bangladesh national team set up particularly in the Test arena. He is the fastest Bangladeshi bowler to take 100 Test wickets (24 matches). Though Mehidy is not a regular starter in the limited over formats due to his lack of intent in batting in those two formats he has got everything to become a genuine all-rounder for the Bangladesh team. In the age-level competition, Miraz was a regular run-scorer for the Tigers. At the senior level, he just needs to work on his batting to score more on regular basis. Miraz has the talent to fill the shoe of Shakib Al Hasan after his retirement.

Mahedi Hasan

Career stats: 163 | Runs: 3,863 | HS: 177 | Wkts: 190 | BBI: 5/46

All-rounder Mahedi Hasan has been in supreme touch in the domestic circuit since BCB President’s Cup last September. Aggressor Mahedi is capable to bat at any position and a very hand bowler to provide a breakthrough. Especially in limited-overs cricket, Mahedi Hasan could become a trump card for Bangladesh if he gets the opportunity. Mahadi has amassed nearly 4,000 runs and 200 wickets in the domestic league but we yet to witness his true potential on the international stage.

Aminul Islam Biplob

Career stats: 38 | Runs: 614 | HS: 90* | Wkts: 19 | BBI: 3/34

Everyone went gaga over Aminul Islam Biplob’s T20 international debut against Zimbabwe in 2019. He picked up 2 wickets for 18 in 4 overs and had created a lot of pressure on the Zimbabwean batters. Although Aminul started his career as a batsman but has become a genuine leg-spinner over the years. Now many consider him the best leg-spinner in the country. Aminul lacks consistency but he has the potential to serve Bangladesh for many years if he can sort out his problems and maintain consistency like Shakib.

Nayeem Hassan

Career stats: 97 | Runs: 854 | HS: 51* | Wkts: 184 | BBI: 8/47

Off-spinner Nayeem Hasan is a regular starter of the Bangladesh Test team. Besides being a promising spinner, Nayeem is also known for his capability to bat at the lower down the order. The 21-year-old cricketer has already bagged more than 100 wickets in first-class cricket. Nayeem can become a very important player for Bangladesh in the near future if he is able to take him to the next level.

Read Bangladesh ODI Squad Analysis for New Zealand Series 2021

Bangladesh ODI team will play a 3-match limited over series against the host New Zealand starting from March 20. For the second time in a row, Bangladesh will play a bilateral series in New Zealand without their star cricketer Shakib Al Hasan. He has been granted paternity leave by the BCB. Shakib’s absence will give a huge opportunity to both Afif Hossain and Mosaddek Hossain to step up and showcase their talents in difficult New Zealand conditions. Will Bangladesh be able to show fighting spirit against a strong New Zealand side in the ODI series? Let’s analyze the Bangladesh ODI team for the New Zealand tour 2021.

Bangladesh ODI Squad for New Zealand Series 2021

BCB announced a 20-man ODI squad for the series. The selectors have included seven fast bowlers in Bangladesh ODI Squad as New Zealand condition usually suits for the pacers. The team also contains three spinners and a notable number of all-rounders.

Left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed earned a maiden call up for the national side, while Mosaddek Hossain has returned to the Bangladesh squad after a fruitful all-round display in the recently concluded UAE T10 league.

Captain Tamim Iqbal, and two other senior members of the team: Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah Riyad are available for the series and they will have to take extra responsibility to marshal the troops against the Kiwi side.

Also read: West Indies series: Bangladesh ODI, Test teams announced

Bangladesh's 20-man ODI squad for the Bangladesh vs New Zealand series 2021:

Tamim Iqbal (Captain, Top order), Mosaddek Hossain (All-rounder), Najmul Hossain Shanto (Top order), Mushfiqur Rahim (Wk & Middle order), Mohammad Mithun (Middle order), Liton Das (Wk & Top Order), Mahmudullah Riyad (All-rounder), Afif Hossain (All-rounder), Soumya Sarkar (Top order), Naim Sheikh (Top order), Taskin Ahmed (Fast medium), Al Amin Hossain (Fast medium), Shoriful Islam (Left-arm fast medium), Hasan Mahmud (Fast medium), Mohammad Saifuddin (All-rounder), Mustafizur Rahman (Left-arm fast medium), Mehidy Hasan Miraz (All-rounder), Mahedi Hasan (All-rounder), Rubel Hossain (Fast medium), Nasum Ahmed (Left-arm orthodox)

Bangladesh tour of New Zealand: 2021 vs 2019

On paper, the present side is more versatile than the 2019 Bangladesh ODI squad for the New Zealand series but the team lacks experience. Mashrafe Mortaza captained the team tigers in 2019 but his side suffered heavy defeats in all 3 matches against the Blackcaps. For this time, Tamim Iqbal has to chalk out a suitable game plan to put pressure on the home side for a positive outcome.

In 2019, Tamim Iqbal, Liton Das, and Soumya Sarkar formed the top three batsmen. Among them, Soumya was the top scorer with 52 runs but he will bat at no.7 in the upcoming series.

Najmul Hossain Shanto is likely to replace Soumya to take the no.3 spot despite had an ordinary outcome in the recently concluded home series against the Windies. So we can’t expect him to do an extraordinary performance in a rather challenging New Zealand condition.

Also read: BCB announces Bangladesh squad for New Zealand tour

In the middle order, either Afif Hossain or Mosaddek Hossain will take the vacant Shakib Al Hasan spot. Mithun played a big part in the 2019 series but he is no longer remain the first choice no.5 batsman in Bangladesh playing XI. While Bangladesh team may choose four faster bowlers including Mohammad Saifuddin to form a rather pace-heavy attack.

Overall, this Bangladesh squad has some talented players and match winners to upset the New Zealand side. 

The probable Bangladesh ODI XI in the New Zealand series

Tamim Iqbal, Liton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, Afif Hossain/Mosaddek Hossain, Mahmudullah Riyad, Soumya Sarkar, Mohammad Saifuddin, Hasan Mahmud, Mustafizur Rahman, Rubel Hossain

Series results will affect ICC ODI Super League Points table

Stats suggest that the Bangladesh ODI team yet to win a match in New Zealand against the host nation, which clearly indicates coming up top against the Blackcaps in their own backyard would be an astronomical task for Bangladesh.

Besides in search of the first win in New Zealand, this ODI contest is very crucial for Bangladesh to stay firm in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup super league. Bangladesh started off their ODI super league campaign with a thumping 3-0 series victory at home against a second-tier Windies side last month. The Tigers are currently in the second position with 30 points just behind Australia, who are topping the table with most 40 points.

Also read: Shakib granted BCB’s permission to skip NZ tour

Bangladesh needs more than 150 points from their scheduled bilateral super league series. Therefore winning a match in the series would be a great result for Bangladesh to concrete their place in the points table.