Riyad is a mentally tough, hardworking middle order batsman batting further down the order. He values his wicket, is difficult to dismiss, and can hit a few after he takes his own time settling down. He's also a decent fielder who can become an excellent fielder given his drive and athleticism.
His ODI bowling can also improve once he is coached properly, which he hasn't been at any level. He is young and will continue to improve Inshallah.
As a batsman, he has difficulty finding the gap on occasion, and rotating the strike as fluently as he needs to, but who doesn't in our team, especially when compared to International batsmen from the Top 8 ? Sid needs to work with everyone in this area and that includes Mohammad Mahmudullah Riyad.
Technically, he may not as compact as Obhi, Ollie, Nirala, GoBoy, BiZu or the post T20I WC Tamim, and does not hit the ball as cleanly or fiercely as Aftab, Farhad or Dollar can, but his temperament and fearlessness make him just as valuable IMHO. He has what it takes to break through his temporary limitations and surprise us all by going well beyond our sober expectations.
He plays the same way in domestic cricket and kudos to him for making the psychological transition to the highest level with such ease.
I don't think we'll be having this discussion if he didn't have a particularly bad game alongside Farhad. Instead of kicking someone this young when he is down, we may be better off looking at the facts in the right light, and help him stand up and do better.
S*** happens you know. One game or a bad patch or two doesn't mean he cannot do better than the very best we have seen from him already.
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"And do not curse those who call on other than GOD, lest they blaspheme and curse GOD, out of ignorance. We have adorned the works of every group in their eyes. Ultimately, they return to their Lord, then He informs them of everything they had done." (Qur'an 6:108)
Last edited by Sohel; June 29, 2008 at 09:43 AM..
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