Amidst the batting struggles of the Bangladesh team in the T20 World Cup 2024, Towhid Hridoy has emerged as the most promising player for the country. With his unflinching spirit and hitting prowess, Hridoy has developed a liking for producing his best when the chips are down. The 23-year-old’s gradual transformation has been nothing short of phenomenal, and his performances in the showpiece event have been a result of his clutch knocks in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and enough exposure to international bowlers in the bilateral series.
Hridoy’s career took an uptick when he stunned the onlookers with his positive intent for the Sylhet Strikers in BPL 2023. He displayed equal ability to score runs on both sides of the wicket, and his impressive performance earned him a spot in Bangladesh’s T20I team. In the same month, Hridoy made his ODI debut against Ireland and smashed a century, playing a key role in helping the Tigers construct their highest-ever ODI total. He continued to impress, leading a tremendous turnaround in a T20I game against Afghanistan, and his consistent performances in the BPL 2024 cemented his place in the Bangladesh team.
Coming into the T20 World Cup 2024, Hridoy emerged as the highest run-getter in Bangladesh’s T20I series loss to the United States of America, and added to his impressive form with an imperious performance in BPL 2024. His unrelenting spirit and game awareness have made him a crucial cog in the Tigers’ setup, and he has been the only consistent batter in the team apart from Shakib Al Hasan and Litton Das.
Virat Kohli (Via Virat Kohli/Twitter)
In the tournament, Hridoy has made three crucial contributions, including a match-winning knock against Sri Lanka, where he slammed three consecutive sixes off Wanindu Hasaranga to make the chase easier for Bangladesh. He also played a key role in the chase against South Africa, stitching a crucial partnership with Mahmudullah, and although he was dismissed LBW for 37 off 34, his earlier efforts helped his team set up the chase.
However, Bangladesh’s batting woes continue to haunt the team, with the senior players struggling to contribute consistently. The team’s skipper, Najmul Hossain Shanto, has accumulated only 67 runs, and the team’s overall totals have suffered as a result. The pressure is now on Hridoy to deliver, and with the must-win game against India looming, the 23-year-old needs support from his teammates to give the bowlers enough room for error.
As Bangladesh faces India in a crucial game, Hridoy carries the dreams of millions of Bangladeshis in their aspiration to see the country lift its first-ever ICC trophy. Will he be able to achieve it, only time will tell, but one thing is certain – Towhid Hridoy has become the torchbearer for Bangladesh cricket, and his journey is only just beginning.
