Can Towhid Hridoy get a fixed spot in Bangladesh's ODI lineup?
Towhid Hridoy has batted in multiple positions since making his ODI debut against Ireland in 2023, and it remains to be seen whether he can secure a settled No. 4 spot in the post-Mushfiqur Rahim era.
In his 44-match ODI career so far, Hridoy has batted at No. 3 on three occasions, scoring 40 runs at an average of 13.33. At No. 4, he has featured 13 times, amassing 476 runs at an average of 39.66. He has batted at No. 5 in 18 matches, scoring 539 runs at an average of 31.70. Additionally, he has played five innings each at No. 6 and No. 7. At No. 6, he scored 136 runs at an impressive average of 68, while at No. 7, he accumulated 74 runs at an average of 24.66.
Bangladesh, who are not participating in the ongoing 2026 T20 World Cup, will look to settle their batting order in the 50-over format with an eye on the ODI World Cup next year. Their preparations are set to begin with a home series against Pakistan.
Hasibul Hossain Shanto, member of Bangladesh's national selection panel, has backed Hridoy for a fixed role in the batting order, believing it would help him perform better. However, that is not guaranteed, considering ODI captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz has occasionally promoted him up the order, despite earlier indicating that batting at No. 6 might allow him to maximize his impact.
"There's been so much shuffling around with him (Towhid) and. I feel his batting position is the key issue," Hasibul told Cricbuzz. "When early wickets fall and overs are left, he scores runs. But if there is no early wicket and he gets less time, he struggles a bit. If he bats in a settled position it will be better for him.
"If he bats higher, he can play all kinds of shots. But he needs a bit of time at the start. Once he is set, he can play all around the ground. He is not someone who gets set instantly-he needs some time," he said.
"From what I have seen, whenever he has batted higher or when early wickets have fallen, he has scored runs. I believe if he bats higher, he will definitely deliver results. Unfortunately, due to team combination, he is sometimes pushed to six, seven, or five. His position needs to be fixed," he added, suggesting that batting at No. 4 or higher could bring the best out of the right-hander.
Hridoy's batting style has long been a topic of discussion in cricketing circles, with critics labeling him a one-dimensional player with limited off-side options.
The right-hander responded to those doubts in the recently concluded Bangladesh Premier League, where he finished as the second-highest run-scorer with 382 runs, including a century and three half-centuries. He averaged 38.22 at a strike rate of 137.90.
He also addressed concerns about his ability to handle the new ball after opening the innings for Rangpur Riders midway through the tournament. The move proved to be a blessing in disguise, as he showcased his ability to take on seasoned fast bowlers once set-an aspect that had seemed inconsistent amid frequent changes in his batting position.
Whether Hridoy will be given a settled role or continue to be shuffled based on team combinations remains to be seen. However, one thing appears clear: if he is consistently given a higher position in the order, his chances of sustained success are significantly greater, considering his batting pattern and temperament.
