Taskin Ahmed: The Unfortunate
Prelude
Before delving into Ebadot’s rise, it’s essential to
acknowledge the man he replaced. Taskin Ahmed, a bowler of immense talent, has
long been seen as one of Bangladesh’s premier fast-bowling prospects. However,
his journey has been fraught with challenges—career-threatening injuries, lean
patches, and the arduous road to recovery. Just as he seemed poised for a
comeback during Bangladesh’s tour of New Zealand, fate intervened in the form
of another injury, sidelining him yet again.
While Taskin’s absence was a blow, it opened the door for a
new face, a new story, and a new hope—Ebadot Hossain.
From Volleyball
Courts to Cricket Fields
Ebadot’s journey is anything but conventional. In 2012, he
joined the Bangladesh Air Force, not as a cricketer, but as a volleyball
player. For Ebadot, the allure of a stable job outweighed the dream of a
sporting career. Yet, cricket, with its magnetic pull, found its way into his
life.
In his hometown of Moulvibazar’s Borolikha village, Ebadot
was already known for his ability to bowl with searing pace. Local teams often
hired him for matches, and his raw talent was evident to anyone who watched
him. But it wasn’t until 2016, during the Robi Pacer Hunt program, that his
cricketing aspirations took a definitive shape.
Among over 14,000 contestants, Ebadot emerged as the
standout performer. While his speeds of 139–140 kph might not have turned heads
globally, in Bangladesh, such pace was a rarity. His success in the pacer hunt
earned him a place in the High-Performance squad, setting him on a path that
would eventually lead to international cricket.
The Mentor’s
Insight
In August 2016, former Pakistani pacer Aaqib Javed conducted
a week-long workshop with Bangladesh’s young fast bowlers. Among the many
talents he observed, two names stood out—Ali Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain. Aaqib’s
assessment of Ebadot was glowing:
“He has got pace, a good body, and a solid action. But he
needs proper nurturing. With his physique, he can consistently bowl 138–140
kph, but he must dedicate himself fully to cricket. He reminded me of Mohammad
Irfan. If he builds his fitness and works on his skills, he could become a
future star for Bangladesh.”
Aaqib’s words proved prophetic. Recognizing Ebadot’s
potential, the Bangladesh Cricket Board included him in a warm-up match against
England in 2016. His performance—dismissing Jason Roy and James Vince with pace
and movement—validated the faith placed in him. However, his progress was soon
derailed by injuries and fitness issues, a recurring theme in the lives of fast
bowlers.
Resilience and
Redemption
After a period of rehabilitation, Ebadot returned to
domestic cricket, determined to reclaim his rhythm and pace. On the docile,
batting-friendly tracks of Bangladesh, he showcased his ability to extract life
from dead surfaces, claiming 59 wickets in 19 first-class matches at an average
of 28.94. His performances caught the selectors’ attention, and when Taskin
Ahmed was ruled out, Ebadot was drafted into the Test squad for the New Zealand
tour.
Critics questioned the decision to select him based on his
shorter-format performances. However, such skepticism ignored his first-class
record and the potential he brings as a genuine fast bowler.
The X-Factor
Bangladesh Needs
Fast bowlers are a rare commodity in Bangladesh, and those
who can combine pace with movement are even rarer. Ebadot’s raw speed, coupled
with his ability to hit the deck hard, offers a dimension that Bangladesh has
often lacked in overseas conditions. In New Zealand, where pace and bounce are
prized, Ebadot could provide the cutting edge needed to challenge the
hosts.
Beyond his physical attributes, Ebadot’s story is one of
perseverance. From the volleyball courts of the Bangladesh Air Force to the
fast-bowling ranks of international cricket, his journey underscores the
importance of nurturing talent and providing opportunities.
A Bold Decision
By including Ebadot in the squad, the Bangladesh think tank
has made a bold and forward-looking decision. Young fast bowlers need exposure
to grow, and Ebadot’s inclusion is a step in the right direction. As Aaqib
Javed once said, “If nurtured correctly, he could become a future star.”
Ebadot Hossain is not just a cricketer; he is a symbol of hope for Bangladesh cricket—a reminder that with the right guidance and perseverance, even the most unconventional paths can lead to success. Whether or not he makes an immediate impact in New Zealand, his story is already a victory for the sport in Bangladesh.
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