Potential Mustafizur replacements [Source: @HustlerCSK/X.Com]
Bangladesh cricket team is a curious case for all the people who watch this sport. On any given day, they can defeat the best team in the business, however, such days are a rare commodity as most of the times the Tigers get tamed by the opposition. The selectors when they announced the Champions Trophy 2025 squad kept the core of the side, but made some bizarre decisons to say the least.
While Shakib Al Hasan is not there as he hasn't cleared the test for a suspected bowling action, Litton Das, one of their best players was dropped due to poor form across formats in 2024. However, their bowling attack looks promising, with the likes of Taskin Ahmed and Nahid Rana in the team.
But, despite boasting all the big names, Mustafizur Rahman still remains their best bowler by a country mile, however, he is injury prone, and if the pacer gets injured in the Champions Trophy, Bangladesh will have a hard time. If he misses the event, these 3 players need to step up in his absence.
1) Taskin Ahmed
Injuries have hampered Taskin Ahmed's career, but on his day, the pacer is an excellent bowler with an ability to pick up wickets at any given phase of the match. Time and again, when Mustafizur was out with injuries, He stood up and led the bowling attack of Bangladesh.
In case of any injury to Mustafiz, Taskin has to once again stand tall and deliver the goods. In 77 ODIs, he has 109 wickets, at an average of 30. He surely has the wickets to showcase and will be vital for the Tigers.
2) Nahid Rana
One of the brightest talent, not only in Bangladesh cricket, but across the globe as well. Nahid Rana is a special cricketer and has taken the game by storm with his wicket taking ability. He is quick, he can bowl a deadly bouncer and has the knack of picking up crucial wickets, this is what you need from your premium pacer.
In 3 ODIs, he has 4 wickets under his belt, but it is his Test performance which has given Bangladesh a ray of hope. In 6 Tests, the pacer has bagged 20 wickets, and looked impressive throughout 2024. Can he deliver in case of an injury to Mustafizur?.
1) Tanzim Hasan Sakib
One of those Bangladesh bowlers who goes under the radar, but Tanzim Hasan Sakib is a deceptive pacer and gets the job done with the ball in hand. He is known for his impeccable control over his lines and lengths and this is something none of the other pacers have in the team.
In 9 ODIs, he has scalped 13 wickets, with an ecomony of just 5.77, these are brilliant numbers and in case of an injury to their star pacer, Tanzim has the capability to step up and deliver for the Tigers in the Champions Trophy.