Ramesh Power is my hero says Bangladesh's Mehedi Hasan

Bangladesh off-spinner Mehedi Hasan made news for taking a five-wicket haul on his Test debut in the opening match of the series against the visiting English team. The teenager who has just played 12 first-class matches impressed most with his bowling against one of the best Test teams. Following his performance Mehendi said that he learned off-spin after watching former Indian off-spinner Ramesh Powar bowling on TV.

England skipper Alastair Cook won the toss and decided to bat first at Chittagong. Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza gave the visitors the first taste of spin as he started off with the off-spinner bowling from one end. In all he bowled 33 overs on the first day which in itself stands as a record for a debutant from Bangladesh. The Daily Observer quoted the 18-year-old saying, “Though I have never met him, Ramesh Power is my hero. I used to watch him play IPL matches on TV and took inspiration from him”.

“It was because the captain (Mushfiqur Rahim) had faith in me. I was also encouraged by the senior members of the team and special thanks to Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan for their kind words”.

“No, unfortunately my parents have not watched my heroic debut. My father was a truck driver till last year and he with my mother stay at home Khulna, which is over 350 km from here (Chittagong)”, he further added.

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The Mumbaikar Ramesh Pawar on learning that Mehedi Hasan was inspired by his bowling to pick up the art said that he has watched the young spinner and is happy to know that he (Mehedi) was inspired from his bowling. Pawar hadn’t watched the Bangladeshi bowl but after getting to know about him checked out his bowling in the highlights of the match.

“I have just watched him (Mehedi Hasan) getting out in the slip. He looks a classical off-spinner”.

“I feel very nice to say getting inspiration from my bowling”.

“I heard he was also a captain of the Under-19 team”.

“I have never met him but the world is now a small place and wish to meet him on any day”, the 38-year-old Powar said.

“I will tell him to involve with modern cricket and learn new tricks with ball”, he signed off.

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