‘Will try to keep things simple’

Amite Hasan’s maiden national team call-up for the first of two Tests against Pakistan next month marks the culmination of seven years of consistent performances in the domestic circuit, with selectors placing their trust in one of the most reliable performers. In a recent conversation with The Daily Star’s Samsul Arefin Khan, Amite spoke about maintaining a simple mindset, expressed deep gratitude for his family’s unwavering support, and shared his excitement about the prospect of sharing a dressing room with his idol, Mushfiqur Rahim, among other topics. The excerpts are as follows:

The Daily Star (DS): How does it feel to get a maiden Test call-up?

Amite Hasan (AH): I feel like I've come through a process. I played first-class cricket for a long time, then I was in all the [Bangladesh Cricket Board] BCB camps – HP, Bangla Tigers, and recently the National Team camp.

DS: How significant was your 162-run knock after coming on as a concussion substitute in your last Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL) four-day match?

AH: After Jaker Ali got hurt, I got the chance to come on as a concussion sub. The next day, I had the chance to bat. I didn't think too much about scoring 100 or 150; I just tried to play, and the rest was Allah's will.

DS: With 49 first-class matches, you are perhaps the second-most experienced cricketer to have gotten a national team call-up after Zakir Hasan, who played around 67 games before his Test debut. How did you keep yourself going?

AH: I didn't think about it too much. I kept my process simple and enjoyed the game. If I hadn't enjoyed it, it might have felt boring.

DS: You won the championship with Sylhet as the highest run-scorer (785 runs at an average of 78.50) in 2024. Last year was a bit off by your standards, but you still scored a double hundred. How do you maintain yourself through these ups and downs?

AH: Whether times are good or bad, one's process should remain the same. I try to ensure my process stays right regardless of the results.

DS: There are a few wicketkeeper-batters in the national team. How much are you thinking about securing a place in the playing XI?

AH: I'm not thinking about that too much. I am preparing in my own way. Whenever and wherever I get the opportunity, I will try to do well.

DS: Who first gave you the news that you were selected?

AH: Habibul Bashar (chief selector) sir called me first and let me know.

DS: How satisfying was the news for your family?

AH: From the start of my cricket journey, my family has always supported me. Especially my elder brother; he convinced everyone at home to let me play. When I got the news from Habibul Bashar sir, I told everyone at home, and they were very happy.

DS: What kind of mindset are you taking to translate your domestic success to the international stage?

AH: I will definitely try to keep things simple. As I said, I was in a camp with 37-38 players where we shared a dressing room, so I have that experience. Regarding the difference between domestic and national levels, I'm not overthinking it. I'll just try to adapt as quickly as possible.

DS: You are starting your career as a wicketkeeper-batter just as Mushfiqur Rahim is nearing the end of his. How does it feel to share a dressing room with someone you might eventually replace?

AH: Mushfiqur bhai is my idol. Being able to share a dressing room and have the chance to play with him is very exciting for me.

DS: What are your thoughts on the future and the prospect of playing other formats?

AH: Honestly, I don't think too far ahead. Whatever is in my ‘Rizq’ (blessings bestowed by Allah), I will get.

DS: What are you thinking about the days ahead?

AH: Since the Pakistan series is coming up, I'm thinking about how to prepare and what will lead to a good performance. I haven't been to Pakistan with the 'A' team. I went to Australia and played there. I have experience playing against good bowling attacks on good wickets.

DS: What are your thoughts on the Pakistan bowling attack?

AH: I am watching video analysis and have seen them play on TV. I am preparing myself accordingly.