Mashrafee Is a Great Motivator- Strikers Vice-Captain Mithun

Sylhet Strikers vice-captain Mohammad Mithun acknowledged that having a veteran like Mashrafe Bin Mortaza in the dressing room is always an added advantage. Mashrafe is such a motivator who can inspire not only a player but also the team as a whole which is always a positive sign for any team. At the same time the 32-year old also told Kriknews during an exclusive interview  that since Mashrafe is there, he is not worried at all despite being the vice-captain of Sylhet adding that he is only focusing on his role as a wicketkeeper batsman. While asserting the strength of Sylhet, he branded the side as well balanced which is full with a sizeable number of all-rounder’s who can play key roles both in batting and bowling to secure the team’s success. And about the goal of Sylhet in the tournament, Mithun revealed that they are initially aiming to qualify in the last four of the country’s lone T20 extravaganza but he is yet to decide anything regarding his own goal in the tournament.

Here are the excerpts

Q. If Mashrafe Bin Mortaza doesn’t play you have to captain Sylhet Strikers as a vice-captain which is going to be the first time for you in the Bangladesh Premier League. Are you set to go?

Mithun: If I am allowed to.. as I am not the captain, rather a vice of Sylhet Strikers. Honestly speaking I am not much worried about the role since I am yet to be handed over the responsibility. As a deputy I have to act as a normal player. And as a wicketkeeper I always need to be involved with the game more than others. So in that case I would have to play a bigger role if I am not the captain, which includes; overseeing the team, fixing the fielding position. So I am only thinking about my roles. Look, when there is a veteran captain like Mashrafe Bhai, in that case I shouldn’t think a least about captaincy, in fact I don’t have an option as well. When Mashrafe Bhai is there he is all in all. Therefore I am not feeling anything like captaining my side. If I am handed over captaincy in future, I will think about the affair. Now I am only focusing on my role as a wicketkeeper-batter.

Q. How is the team environment when Mashrafe is there?

Mithun: Look, when you are into a tournament like this, none should explain to you the responsibilities you need to perform. The only thing you need is motivation. And I always find him a superb motivator. His words motivate the players easily and also aid them to boost their morale which is really important that what actually the team wants. One of the greatest virtues in him is that he can easily mingle with players. So I hope that his presence will make our team environment friendly.

Q. What is the strength of your side that would pave your way to beat a side easily?

Mithun: In a meet like BPL, you can’t think of beating any team easily. There is always a tough contest here. If you want to beat any side you must have to play good cricket since all the sides here are good. So the day is important. It would keep bestowing us good results as long as we would be able to endure our good momentum. To me, our team is well balanced with a blend of both local and overseas. We have a sizable number of all-rounders who may play vital roles at any time with their showcases both in batting and bowling.

Q. How much is possible to reach the final of the competition with the campaigners you have?

Mithun: Look, the final of this season of BPL is still too far away as it is a big tournament. In fact our primary goal is to feature in the qualifying round [[play off]. And you know that the last round games always turn out to be do-or-die. So we will try to earn more wins in the league phase matches to confirm a spot in the last four. I think it will take care of the rest of the things.

Q. What will be your goal in the tournament?

Mithun: In fact I never set a goal from the onset of any tournament. For now I am thinking of a good start in BPL. I will play in such a manner that it will give me confidence from the tournament opener so that it becomes instrumental in the remaining encounters of the competition.