Every game is a challenge: Mithun
Centuries from Liton Das and Tamim Iqbal in the first two ODIs took all of the limelight but Mohammad Mithun's contributions would likewise have pleased the Bangladesh team management as the right-hander played an essential role at number six in both wins over Zimbabwe.
Bangladesh were able to post 321 for six in the first ODI -- the country's highest ODI score against Zimbabwe - and aside from Liton's sublime 126 and Mohammad Saifuddin's cameo of three sixes, it had been Mohammad Mithun's 41 ball fifty that helped the hosts post a major total.
The 29-year-old once more made a very important contribution in the second ODI, hitting an unbeaten 32 off 18 balls which made up for Bangladesh losing way too many wickets in the latter stages.
Mithun, who started his career back 2014 as a top-order batsman, is now playing a essential role in the middle order and the right-hander is among the few players who plays in every the three formats for the Tigers.
According to Mithun, his role is an extremely challenging one and there are many times when his performance gets overshadowed but he's enjoying the role he has been distributed by the team management.
"Actually, every game is challenging as I am not in a stage where I am rated as an upcoming player who'll get additional time [to settle in to the team]. I am in the centre as I am not young, nor a senior, and played a lot of cricket. So, there is less room for me personally to make mistakes as I'd have to pay heavily.
"So, I must become more careful as you all know there are several players whose performances gets highlighted even after doing a little, while few others don't get that despite successful. EASILY don't play well in one game people will say I am not in form nevertheless they forget what I did so in the last game. It is as a result of the stage of my career… not being truly a youngster. I might not exactly get success on a regular basis but I usually try my best," Mithun told The Daily Star at the team hotel in Sylhet yesterday.
Clear instructions from the team management about his role has also worked well for the batsman.
"Right now, I am batting at number six in the ODIs and for the reason that position, it'll be a different situation each day. I must realise that I cannot bat in a fashion similar to an opener who can adjust to the conditions first and then play his own game.
"For me, the game totally is determined by the scoreboard, like just how many wickets fell and just how many overs remain in the overall game. Coach [Russell Domingo] helped me a whole lot as he gave a clear view on what to do specifically situations. It actually makes me clear on how to proceed, so it gives you a direction and removes the confusion. It worked well for me in both games against Zimbabwe and these small things help a whole lot," he said.
Without regrets about not getting as much limelight as others in the national team, Mithun said it will always be a matter of pride for him to represent the united states and contribute for the team and look to boost his game each day.
"When I started my career, I was young and I've learned as time went on. I believe my career has changed when i got married in 2013 when it comes to effort and having a good mindset. I did not need the purpose in my own cricket, which includes changed immensely on my go back to the ODI side in the [2018] Asia Cup. I've read somewhere that Sachin Tendulkar said that even though he retired from cricket, he felt there is still more to understand for him, and I also believe exactly like you will improve as you play more," Mithun said.
