Karthik and Parthiv urge Bangladesh to move on from Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah

Dinesh Karthik and Parthiv Patel believe Bangladesh must move on from Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah Riyad, arguing that persisting with the veterans will only stall the team's progress.

Speaking on Cricbuzz, the former Indian cricketers stressed the need to invest in youth, with Parthiv also dismissing the idea of recalling Shakib Al Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, or Litton Das.

The discussion gained traction after Bangladesh's early exit from the Champions Trophy, where they lost both matches to India and New Zealand. Mushfiqur's first-ball duck against India, followed by both seniors falling to rash shots against New Zealand, only intensified criticism. Asked if this was the end for the "two Ms," Karthik responded, "For the health of their cricket… I'd say yes."

Karthik outlined a clear path forward. "They need to look ahead, give the younger players opportunities, and allow them to grow. Constant chopping and changing won't help. These players need time to develop." He singled out Tanzid Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, and Zakir Ali as talents who need proper backing. "The key now is making them feel secure, convincing them they belong at this level, and ensuring the board stands by them."

Bangladesh's struggles extend beyond the Champions Trophy. At the 2023 ODI World Cup, they won just two of nine matches, including a loss to the Netherlands. After two disastrous tournaments, Karthik believes change is overdue. "If you can't win more than two matches across two major ODI tournaments in two years, it's definitely time to replan. Accept the reality, invest in the next generation, and build the team anew."

Parthiv Patel echoed the sentiment, urging Bangladesh to commit to a younger core. "Towhid Hridoy has impressed everyone. Najmul Hossain Shanto is already captain. Zakir Ali, Tanzid Hasan – he's talented but needs a big innings. Taskin Ahmed, Rishad Hossain, Nahid Rana, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz should form the core."

He criticised Bangladesh's tendency to revert to familiar names. "That's the problem. Every time someone's dropped, Soumya Sarkar returns. If there's a gap, Litton Das comes back. You can't build a team this way." Parthiv also recommended trialling under-19 or under-23 players. "Give them two series. That'll show how they're progressing. Bangladesh won't gain anything from Mushfiqur, Mahmudullah, Shakib, or Litton anymore. It's time to commit to youth."

Karthik admitted surprise that Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah were still playing. "I thought they'd retire after the 2023 World Cup. But they chose to continue. I don't know how much longer they'll play, but if they do, I'll be surprised."

Speculation is already swirling that Bangladesh's final match against Pakistan on 27 February could mark the end for one or both veterans. Reports suggest Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah held discussions with the Bangladesh Cricket Board before the India match on 20 February, though neither has formally announced their decision.

With Bangladesh already out of the Champions Trophy, Karthik summed up the situation: "At some point, they'll have to make room for younger players. It might lead to struggles initially, but that's the only way the team will succeed. If Bangladesh wants to do well in the 2026 T20 World Cup and the 2027 ODI World Cup, this transition is necessary."