Khaled Mahmud, former head coach and team director for Bangladesh, suggests that Mushfiqur Rahim’s One Day International career might have reached even greater heights if he had been given a more consistent role batting at number four.
Mushfiqur’s recent retirement from ODIs on February 5th has brought attention to the question of his best batting position. Throughout his career, there was debate about whether he was better suited to bat at No. 4 or No. 6. When he retired, Mushfiqur was the second highest ODI run scorer for Bangladesh with 7,795 runs, only surpassed by Tamim Iqbal’s 8,357 runs.
He has been recognized as Bangladesh’s most successful No. 4 batsman, having accumulated a record 4,372 runs in 118 innings in that position. Between 2013 and 2023, on a global scale, he was the second-highest run-scorer at No. 4, scoring 3,762 runs in 96 innings, falling only behind Ross Taylor of New Zealand, who scored 5,182 runs.
Apart from a less productive year in 2022 and limited ODI appearances in 2020, Rahim consistently scored runs over the past decade, with 70% of these runs coming when batting at No. 4. However, despite his strong performance history at this position, his batting order was significantly changed in 2023. He primarily batted at No. 6, and occasionally at No. 5.
‘In my opinion, Mushfiqur is naturally a number four batsman, not a number six,’ Mahmud stated in an interview. ‘He prefers to build his innings, and once settled, he becomes an exceptional player. It’s possible that if he had been consistently positioned at number four, his ODI career could have been even more remarkable,’ he added.
Mahmud further emphasized Mushfiqur’s exemplary professionalism. ‘Mushfiqur is a cricketer who has achieved everything through his own efforts, and his career serves as an inspiration.
‘His retirement from ODI cricket was inevitable, and it is a decision we must respect. He is a true representative of Bangladesh cricket and a formidable competitor. I believe he has had an outstanding career. He was always a dedicated and disciplined player, possessing all the necessary qualities.’
‘Whenever I am in a team dressing room, I encourage others to look to Mushfiqur as an example. I have seen him training and running early in the morning; he is truly hardworking. Naturally, it is sad to see him retire from ODIs, but it was a moment that had to come. Perhaps he felt this was the appropriate time, and I respect his decision. I wish him all the best. He will continue to play Test cricket, and if he plays six more Tests, he will be the first cricketer from Bangladesh to play 100 Test matches. I hope he stays healthy, maintains his form, and concludes his Test career successfully,’ Mahmud concluded.
