Bangladesh’s long-standing search for a world-class leg-spinner may finally be over, as 22-year-old Rishad Hossain continues to earn praise from some of cricket’s most respected voices.
From his breakthrough performances on the international stage to back-to-back selections in the Big Bash League (BBL) draft, Rishad is fast becoming one of the brightest young spin talents in global cricket.
In a recent post-draft podcast in the official Youtube channel of the Big Bash League, former Australian captain Aaron Finch lauded the Bangladeshi spinner, describing him as “a very talented leg-spinner who can turn the ball sharply.”
What impresses Finch most, however, is Rishad’s approach under pressure.
“Unlike most modern leg-spinners who bowl flat and fast, Rishad gives the ball air,” Finch said. “And what I love is that when he’s under pressure, he slows it down even more. That’s rare in T20 cricket.”
Finch had a close look at Rishad during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, particularly in Bangladesh’s clash against Australia. The young spinner dismissed both Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh while conceding just 23 runs in his three-over spell — a performance that clearly made an impression.
“He gets serious turn,” Finch added. “And Ricky Ponting has a very high opinion of him.”
That very opinion from Ponting — another former Australian captain and now part of the Hobart Hurricanes' setup — proved pivotal.
According to the Hurricanes’ High-Performance GM Sally-Ann Briggs, it was Ponting’s endorsement, based on Rishad’s World Cup showing, that led to his selection in the BBL draft last season. Rishad picked up 14 wickets from 7 matches in ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in West Indies and the United States of America.
Although Rishad couldn’t participate in BBL 2024-25 due to NOC (No Objection Certificate) issues, Hobart have once again shown faith by drafting him for the upcoming edition.
While reviewing the BBL 2025 draft, Finch became visibly excited when discussing Hobart’s squad, highlighting Rishad’s presence as a standout pick.
“Rishad Hossain is very different to today’s typical T20 leg-spinners,” Finch explained.
“He tosses it up, makes the batters create their own pace, and his googly is very, very effective. He reminds me of Ish Sodhi — not like Rashid Khan who’s rapid and stump-to-stump, but a spinner who lures you into false strokes.”
Finch concluded his thoughts by reiterating Ponting’s influence: “Ricky speaks very highly of Rishad. That’s saying something.”
Bd-Pratidin English/ARK
