BPL Preview: Rangpur Riders
Newcomers count on local force
The newest franchise in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) T20, the Rangpur Riders, will begin its journey in the T20 competition with a side that will depend mostly on local players. With a few known foreign recruits in the team, the Riders will hope that their local stars live up to expectations. Their most expensive buy this year was all-rounder Nasir Hossain, who was bought for 208,000 dollars. Also playing for the team is Abdur Razzak, who has been given the responsibility of leading the side.
Off the field, the Riders’ have one of the more ‘jollier’ team management setups of the competition. While they weren’t as successful in the auctions, they seemed to have been enjoying just being part of the show, something that was reflected in their ‘unique’ bids. Razzaq, for instance, was bought for 92,777 dollars while Junaed Siddiqui was signed up for 67,556 dollars.
KEY PLAYERS
Nasir Hossain has gradually grown into one of the more dependable players for the Bangladesh team. He has consistently played the role of a finisher for Bangladesh and with Junaed Siddiqui being the only other batsman to have recently played in the national team; Nasir will have to shoulder a lot more responsibility. Also in the team is Ireland’s most prolific hitter, Kevin O’ Brien, who was signed up for 45,000 dollars. While he may not have played an innings similar to the magical century against England in the 2011 World Cup in the recent past, his hard-hitting ability is bound to play a positive role. West Indian pacer Fidel Edwards will also feature for the Riders this year. Edwards, who has a great record against Bangladesh in Test cricket, will no doubt play a crucial role.
BEGINNERS’ LUCK
Rangpur’s team management claimed that they were still in the hunt for a pacer and a good all-rounder during the team’s unveiling yesterday. With just six foreign players, Rangpur will want the lesser known Pakistani cricketers in the side to churn out a surprise. The underdogs of the competition, Riders will hope to ride on beginners’ luck.
POSSIBLE COMBINATION
With just 15 players in the side, there isn’t much that Razzak and Co can do. Junaed and Shamsur Rahman are expected to bat up the order, while Nasir and O’Brien can provide the impetus in the middle order. Razzak and Edwards will be expected to lead the bowling attack and the Pakistan trio of Sharjil Khan, Raja Ali Dar and Anwar Ali will most likely fill the remaining foreign spots, unless the franchise gets more players.
-With The Daily Star input
