Russell Domingo defends Mahmudullah, Mushfiqur Rahim after 1st ODI vs India: Not the time to find their replacements

Bangladesh vs India: Head coach Russell Domingo said that the Tigers won’t be looking for the replacements of Mahmudullah Riyad and Mushfiqur Rahim for the time being.

Not the time to find replacements: Domingo defends Mahmudullah, Rahim after 1st ODI. Courtesy: AP

By India Today Web Desk: Head coach Russell Domingo said Bangladesh aren’t looking for replacements of Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah for the time being. Both batters struggled in the first ODI against India on Sunday, December 4 at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Dhaka.

Even as Mushfiqur scored 18 off 45 and got out to Mohammed Siraj, Mahmudullah perished after a 35-ball 14. Domingo admitted that both stalwarts are searching for runs, but don’t need to be replaced.

“Firstly, I am going to defend my players. In the last two games in Zimbabwe, Mahmudullah got 80 and 39. I am very reluctant to say that [it is time to find their replacements]. Both players have times in their career when they are searching for runs,” Domingo was quoted as saying.

Back in August, Mahmudullah got scores of 20*, 80* and 39 in a three-match ODI series that Bangladesh lost. Domingo said that the Mymensingh-born batter went a tad into his shell due to which he failed to put away a half-volley on the leg side.

“It was one ODI ago that [Mahmudullah] got 80. I have no concerns with him at the moment. All players go through these phases in the older phase of their careers. I still have a lot of faith in his ability and batting,” he stated.

Domingo said that the Bangladesh batters need to be a bit more positive going into the second ODI to take place on Wednesday, December 7 in Dhaka.

“I think his intensity dropped [in the first ODI] as he was looking more to survive than to score. That’s why he missed that half volley on leg-stump. If he was looking to score, he would have probably hit that for two or four. It is just making sure that we get into the routine and rhythm of being more positive than looking to survive,” Domingo added.

Bangladesh chased down 187 in 46 overs and took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.