Mosaddek Hossain

Another of those players who shone from the Under-19 levels, Mosaddek is a brilliant talent for Bangladesh. Not only is he blessed with a repertoire of strokes but also a brain that according to the senior pro Tamim Iqbal 'Thinks like a 45-year old!'. There can't be a better compliment for a young player, right?

Mosaddek made his first-class debut for Dhaka Divsion in 2013-14 season and didn't get off to an auspicious start. Perhaps, the start couldn't have been worse as he registered a pair on debut against Khulna and was dropped immediately from the side and didn't take part in any further matches. Playing for Barisal Division, Mosaddek came back strongly in the next season registering two first-class centuries, both of which were converted into double. In the 2015 season, he struck one more score of 200-plus, thereby becoming the first Bangladeshi to score three first-class double centuries.

The First-class numbers for Mosaddek are insanely good as the lad averages in the late 50s with over 3000 runs. Staggering! Although not with the same level of consistency, he has also been a star in white-ball cricket across the domestic circles of Bangladesh. A national call up came eventually as he made his T20I and ODI debuts in the year 2016. Still very early in his career and although his international numbers aren't huge, he has already shown enough signs of his potential.

Mosaddek made his Test debut in the one-off game against India and has always been in the selectors' radar due to his gifted abilities. He can also bowl handy off-breaks which are quite effective, particularly in the shorter formats. In the coming years, we could see him develop in the same way as Shakib Al Hasan. It's a huge call but surely, this lad has all the skills plus a strong temperament which is key to harness your skills.

What to expect in the 2019 WC?

Mosaddek Hossain is another one of those 'Jack' in the pack kind of player. He can bat, he can bowl and he is useful. This would be his maiden World Cup and having notched up a heroic 24-ball 52 against West Indies in a tri-series final in Ireland, Mosaddek almost has snatched that number 7 position from Sabbir Rahman. His offies will also add value to his overall package. Having been on the fringes since his debut in 2016, Mosaddek came in mostly as an injury back-up for Mahmudullah during the New Zealand series in February. But since has showed his skills at crucial times to eke a place in the squad.

Though wrist spinners are expected to rule the roost, finger spinners are still in fashion. A few tight overs in a run fest might just be what this new kid on the block might deliver. Or may be a match defining cameo, Mosaddek will have various opportunities to showcase his talent on the big stage.

By Hariprasad Sadanandan and Kumar Abhisekh Das