Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], September 17 (ANI): In a significant endorsement of emerging talent, Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe has pinpointed Mehidy Hasan Miraz as the player poised to fill the substantial void that will be left when veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan eventually hangs up his boots.

At 37, Shakib is entering the twilight years of an illustrious career, with speculation mounting that he may retire from One Day Internationals after next year’s Champions Trophy in Pakistan. This potential departure marks a pivotal moment for Bangladesh cricket, and Hathurusinghe is confident that Miraz is ready to rise to the occasion.

“Shakib has always been a cornerstone of Bangladesh cricket, providing us with the flexibility to balance the team effectively. His dual ability as a batsman and bowler allows us to adapt our strategy, whether we need extra bowlers or batsmen,” Hathurusinghe told ESPNcricinfo. “Beyond his skills, Shakib brings invaluable experience and leadership to the team.”

Miraz has already showcased his capabilities, notably during Bangladesh’s historic Test series win over Pakistan. In that series, he amassed 155 runs at an impressive average of 77.50 and emerged as the leading wicket-taker with 10 wickets at an average of 18.60. Hathurusinghe sees this as a clear indication of Miraz’s readiness to take on a more prominent role.

“Over the past five to six years, Miraz has shown remarkable improvement,” Hathurusinghe noted. “His primary strength has always been his bowling, but he has significantly developed his batting and is an exceptional fielder. He is well-prepared to step up when Shakib decides to retire.”

As Bangladesh gears up for their Test series in India, the team faces a formidable challenge from India’s renowned spin duo, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. To counter this threat, they will rely heavily on experienced batsman Mushfiqur Rahim. At 37, Rahim continues to perfect his sweep shots and variations against off-spinners, a testament to his dedication and professionalism.

“Mushfiqur mentioned to me on our flight to India that he averages 55,” Hathurusinghe shared. “He is a phenomenal player, preparing with meticulous detail similar to legends like Sachin Tendulkar. His thorough professionalism sets him apart.”

The highly anticipated two-match series will commence on Thursday in Chennai at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium, with the second red-ball game slated to begin on September 27 in Kanpur.

This transition period in Bangladesh cricket is not just about replacing a legend like Shakib Al Hasan but also about nurturing and trusting the next generation of talent like Mehidy Hasan Miraz to carry forward the legacy.