Mohammad Naim
In a journey to make themselves noticed in the Asia Cup, Bangladesh received a major setback when the pacer Hasan Mahmud and wicket keeper-batter Nurul Hasan was ruled out of the tournament. The team management immediately announced the 23 year old wicket keeper-batter Mohammad Naim as a part of the squad.
Naim, the X-Factor
The new inclusion to the squad might turn out to be the X-factor for the ‘Bangla Tigers’. In absence of Nurul Hasan Bangladesh will look to use Mohammad Naeem as the opening batter. Let us have a look at his general record in the international arena.
The records look nothing out of the ordinary, but still the man can be a very important component of the Bangladesh team. With their opening issues, Naim could be an answer to their woes as he has played the majority of his career at the top of the batting order.
Unknown to the opposition
The second factor that can work in Bangladesh’s favour is the fact that the teams playing in Asia Cup have not seen much of this player.
Naim, providing solidity and flexibility to the Bangladesh batting
Naim being a specialist opener will solidify the batting order of the team. He will allow experienced batters like Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim to come a bit lower down the order and solidify the batting.
On paper it might appear that Naim will not be bringing much change to the Bangladesh team, but his presence will contribute a long way to the team chemistry. Whether it turns out to be a major factor for Bangladesh’s performance in the 15th Asia Cup, that will be revealed with time.
 "Probuddha Bhattacharjee")
