Rishad Hossain's emergence as a wrist-spin sensation has been the crowning achievement for Bangladesh in an otherwise lacklustre ICC T20 World Cup campaign.
The young leg-spinner's haul of 14 wickets across seven matches not only crowned him as Bangladesh's leading bowler in the tournament but also placed him joint third in the overall standings.
Rishad's stellar performance has justified the Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) long-term investment in the 21-year-old talent, who first caught the spotlight in 2017 through 'Robi Khoj: The Number 1 Spinner', a talent hunt that named him the 'Most Accurate Bowler'. His journey since then has been marked by appearances in various BCB developmental teams, despite limited domestic play.
The BCB, often criticised for off-field controversies and lacklustre on-field performances, can now bask in the success of their foresight and planning, as Rishad's rise on the international stage garners accolades from the national cricket community.
However, the management must guard against complacency regarding their leg-spin arsenal. Rishad's promising start is no guarantee of sustained success; he could either build on his current form or become a fleeting phenomenon.
Cricket experts advocate for the continued cultivation of wrist-spinners from a young age, with Rishad potentially serving as an exemplar for Bangladesh's budding leg-spinners.
Sohel Islam, head coach of the Bangladesh Tigers, who has worked closely with Rishad, believes that Rishad's success can inspire leg-spinners across various age-level teams. "In cricket, role models are crucial. Rashid Khan's leg-spin in Afghanistan inspired many young Afghans to emulate him. Similarly, as Rishad excels internationally, we anticipate a surge in leg-spinners within the country," Sohel remarked to the media.
The BCB's game development committee is currently nurturing wrist-spinners through specialised camps, with Sohel optimistic about discovering promising talents.
Wahidul Gani, overseeing the Under-14 and Under-15 setups, emphasises the need for a unified strategy between the BCB and domestic teams to ensure the ongoing success of wrist-spinners. "This year, we've mandated the inclusion of a leg-spinner in every U14 and U15 team, ensuring they bowl at least five overs. However, true leg-spinners must possess innate talent and gain their coaches' trust," Gani shared with the media.
He further noted, "Winning can sometimes be a deceptive teacher. While victory is our aim, we must also recognise the potential in players even in defeat. Faith in talent, especially in right-arm wrist-spin, is essential." Gani also highlighted Mushtaq Ahmed's role as the Tigers' bowling coach, asserting that his experience at the highest level could significantly benefit Rishad's development. "Mushtaq's insights into top-tier batsmen's techniques and footwork will undoubtedly aid Rishad's growth," he concluded.
