Ebadot Hossain reveals the reason behind his salute celebration

One of the most endearing things in cricket is to see players- especially bowlers- celebrating their hard-earned wickets. Sometimes it could be provocative, sometimes funny or sometimes plain-down inspirational. In the past two years or so, Sheldon Cottrell’s grand salute to a batsman is one such celebration.

Cottrell’s reasoning of doing the same is the tribute to the armed forces, of which he was a part of, in the past. And, the same reasoning is behind Ebadot Hossain’s salute. The right-handed bowler did the same during the ongoing Pink Ball Test match against India when he got the scalps of Rohit Sharma and captain Virat Kohli.

Speaking to Hindustan Times, Ebadot opened up about his trademark celebration. According to the fast bowler, he has worked in the Bangladesh Air Force and the salute is a tribute to them.

“I work in the Bangladesh Air Force. My salute is a tribute to them. I have been associated with the Bangladesh Air Force for about 5 and a half years now and I still continue to be very proud to perform any role they offer,” Ebadot told Hindustan Times in an exclusive chat after Day 2.

‘Mahmudullah asked me to include this celebration’- Ebadot Hossain

The right-handed fast bowler also revealed that the celebration wasn’t a part of his gameplay and it was only due to the insistence of Mahmudullah Riyad during a first-class game that he included it.

“I never had any special celebration before but during a first-class game, Mahmudullah Riyad told me to do a salute every time I pick up a wicket as I was a part of the Air Force. he told me that this will build my brand,” added Ebadot.

The Bangladesh fast bowler claimed the prized wickets of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli at the Eden Gardens. Hossain attributed the duo as world-class batsmen and said it was his dream to get the Indian captain’s wicket.

“Rohit and Virat are world-class batsmen. It was a dream to get Virat’s wicket and thankfully, I got that on my first Test against him… There is still a long way to go,” added Ebadot.