3 Players who can replace Ebadot Hossain in Bangladesh Squad for T20 World Cup 2024

Bangladesh have suffered a major setback as their star bowler Ebadot Hossain has been ruled out of the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. The right-arm fast bowler sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury in July last year. The latest development comes after Hossain had earlier hinted at a speedy recovery and desire to represent The Tigers in the showpiece event. 

Bangladesh Cricket Board's chief physician Debashish Chaudhary confirmed on April 10 that the 30-year-old will not be fit for the premier 20-over tournament, which is scheduled to take place in the United States of America and West Indies in June. Hossain, who underwent surgery in December, will need at least ten months to recover and Debashish has dashed all hopes of the seamer's return to the World Cup.

The absence of the Sylhet cricketer, who has been impressive across formats in recent times, will surely hurt the team. Bangladesh were hoping for his timely return but now they need to find replacements. Fortunately, they have some talented youngsters in the ranks but there will be a big void to fill at the mega event.

Let's look at three possible replacement options for Bangladesh in the 2024 T20 World Cup -

3. Rejaur Rahman Raja

Bangladesh included three uncapped players in their T20I squad for the three matches against England in March last year. Rejaur Rahman Raja was one of those selected for his impressive performances in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). However, he did not get a chance to make it into the playing XI, but that shows he is in the plan. 

Rahman Raja has played 35 T20 matches to date and has taken 36 wickets at an average of 7.92 and an average of 25.30. He also has a four-wicket haul to his credit (4/14). The 24-year-old is one of the top contenders for the upcoming World Cup.

2. Tanzim Hasan

Tanzim Hasan Sakib was named replacement for Ebadot Hossain in the 2023 Asia Cup squad. It was Hasan's maiden call-up to the national team and was based on his performance in List A cricket. The 21-year-old pacer was impressive in the ACC Emerging Men's Asia Cup, picking up nine wickets from three matches.

He also took 17 wickets to help Abahani Limited win the Dhaka Premier League last season. From 32 T20 matches, the right-arm seamer has claimed 38 wickets and an economy of 8.83, with the best bowling figures of 3/9. Hasan could be chosen as Hossain's replacement in the marquee event.

1. Khaled Ahmed

Khaled Ahmed is yet to make his T20 international debut, but the right-arm pacer has represented Bangladesh in the other two formats. However, his stats in T20 cricket are impressive, with 64 wickets from 53 matches at an economy rate of 8.17, including a four-wicket haul.

The former Bangladesh coach Russell Domingo had earlier said that Khaled has the spark to become one of the best bowlers in the world. The 31-year-old is relatively more experienced than the other two and may be chosen to fill Hussain's shoes at the major multi-national event.