Sports Desk:

Bangladesh frontline seamer Ebadot Hossain has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury at home against Afghanistan last July. The pacer is currently undergoing rehabilitation after knee surgery. After being out of the game for the past 13 months, his return is finally nearing.

He missed both the ODI World Cup and T20 World Cup due to his injury. Despite prolonged efforts to recover, he is still not fully fit.

Ebadot shared an update on his progress with reporters at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. While explaining the current condition of his injury, he said, “I am following the programmes given by the physio, trainer and fast bowling coach. I’m still not allowed to bowl at 100% capacity. I’m working at 70-80%, so I’m close to full capacity. I might be taken with the team on the India tour. I will receive bowling support there from the doctor, physio and trainer. I will have all the support I need. I’ll check my fitness there and then make a decision.”

The Test and T20 series between Bangladesh and India will start in India on October 19. If there is rapid improvement, Ebadot might play matches in India. If not, he will return to competitive cricket with the National Cricket League (NCL) starting on October 15. “If my fitness improves sufficiently and the management is satisfied, they might let me play there. If not, we have domestic cricket and I will play there,” he said.

Ebadot has fond memories of playing against India. He famously gave the ‘salute’ after dismissing Virat Kohli during the 2019 tour of India. Recalling that memory, he said, “I have dismissed Virat Kohli twice and it’s a matter of pride for me. Most of the wickets I’ve taken have been significant ones. It feels good to look back at my achievements.”

Several pace bowlers have been performing consistently for Bangladesh, with Nahid Rana being the latest inclusion. Ebadot is aware of the healthy competition in the fast bowling department. “There is very healthy competition. I wish there were seven more fast bowlers like that. It drives me to do better. Taskin is the best bowler in Bangladesh. Mustafiz is one of the best cutter masters-no one in the world can bowl cutters like him. Nahid Rana is the fastest bowler in Bangladesh and Tanzim Shakib is in very good form. This competition is something I welcome because it will elevate everyone’s game,” he explained.