Mahidul Islam Ankon Eyes Redemption in Zimbabwe Test Series
Mahidul Islam Ankon, the young wicketkeeper-batter for Bangladesh, is gearing up for a potential return to the national team for the upcoming Test series against Zimbabwe. Having experienced a challenging debut against South Africa, Ankon has focused on learning from his mistakes and improving his overall performance.
A Debut to Remember (and Learn From)
Ankon's Test debut in October of last year was a whirlwind affair. Called up at the last minute to replace the injured Jaker Ali and with Litton Das unavailable due to illness, he was thrust into the high-pressure environment of international cricket. The debut wasn’s exactly as he would have hoped for, marked by several errors behind the stumps and a modest batting performance (0 and 29).
Reflecting on the Experience
Speaking to Cricbuzz, Ankon acknowledged the difficulties he faced during his debut. He attributed some of his struggles to the pressure of the situation and the lingering impact of a recent National Cricket League (NCL) match he was participating in prior to the call-up. He stated, “I don't want to give any excuse because at that point I was involved in the game and probably in my mind I was carrying the NCL. But now I feel that I could get another chance, so I am accordingly preparing myself mentally as well.”
Areas of Improvement
Ankon identified the need to remain calm and enjoy the game to perform at his best. He has been working on addressing his shortcomings and preparing mentally for the challenges of international cricket. “Probably I was nervous and to hide that nervousness I tried to be excited (behind the wickets). I think it is important to enjoy the game,” he explained.
Mentorship and Preparation
With the inclusion of Mohammad Salahuddin, a familiar face and mentor, as the senior assistant coach of the Bangladesh team, Ankon believes he will have a valuable support system. Having played under Salahuddin in domestic tournaments, Ankon appreciates his ability to ease tension and offer guidance. “I think having him around is always good considering he knows me very well and can always relieve the tension whenever I am over-thinking about anything – I am saying it on the basis of my experience of playing under him in different domestic tournaments.”
Key Takeaways and Future Outlook
- Calmness and Enjoyment: Ankon emphasized the importance of staying relaxed and enjoying the game to perform effectively.
- Technical Refinement: He is actively working on addressing his technical shortcomings behind the stumps and in his batting.
- Mentorship: The presence of Mohammad Salahuddin provides valuable support and guidance.
- Mental Fortitude: Ankon is focusing on building mental resilience to handle the pressures of international cricket.
With renewed focus and the benefit of experience, Mahidul Islam Ankon is optimistic about his prospects and eager to contribute to the Bangladesh national team.