Nurul Hasan

BAN
BAN
Nurul Hasan

Player Bio

Nurul Hasan, a name that has been echoing in the corridors of Bangladesh cricket, represents the new generation of cricketers from the nation. Born as Quazi Nurul Hasan on November 21, 1993, in Khulna, he is popularly known by the nickname "Sohan". As a right-handed batsman and a wicketkeeper, Nurul has showcased his prowess both behind the stumps and with the bat in hand. His journey in the cricketing world has been marked by perseverance, waiting for his turn to shine on the international stage, especially given the long-standing dominance of players like Khaled Mashud and Mushfiqur Rahim in the wicketkeeping domain for Bangladesh.

Early Life and Entry into Cricket

Nurul's tryst with cricket began at a young age. His talent was evident when he represented Bangladesh at the Under-17 and Under-19 levels. Notably, he played in two Under-19 World Cups in 2010 and 2012, showcasing his potential on the global stage.

His first-class debut came in 2011, marking the beginning of a promising domestic career. Over the years, Nurul has been associated with various teams such as Bangladesh A, Bangladesh Under-17s, Bangladesh Under-19s, Central Zone (Bangladesh), Chattogram Challengers, Chittagong Kings, Cricket Coaching School, Dhaka Division, Fortune Barishal, Khulna Division, Minister Rajshahi, Rangpur Riders, Sylhet Division, and Sylhet Sixers.

Despite his evident talent, Nurul had to wait for his international debut. The position of wicketkeeper for Bangladesh was majorly occupied by stalwarts like Khaled Mashud and later by Mushfiqur Rahim. However, his consistent performances in the domestic circuit couldn't be ignored for long. The 2013-14 season was particularly fruitful for him. He amassed 489 runs in the National Cricket League, averaging an impressive 81.50, which included two centuries. This splendid performance not only earned him a place in the Bangladesh A side but also cemented his reputation as a reliable performer in domestic cricket.

Nurul's T20I debut for Bangladesh came in January 2016 against Zimbabwe. This was a part of the selectors' strategy to experiment with the team composition ahead of the Asia Cup and the World T20. His One Day International (ODI) debut was a result of an unforeseen circumstance when Mushfiqur Rahim sustained a hamstring injury during the New Zealand tour in December. This made Nurul only the fifth wicketkeeper to make an ODI debut for Bangladesh since the beginning of Mushfiqur's career in 2006.

Post his T20 debut, Nurul continued to shine in the domestic arena. He scored over 500 runs in the Dhaka Premier League, which included a century, further establishing him as one of the top wicketkeepers in the country in 2016.

Nurul Hasan's journey from his early days in Khulna to representing Bangladesh on the international stage is a testament to his dedication, skill, and perseverance. His story serves as an inspiration for many young cricketers, highlighting the importance of hard work and patience in the pursuit of one's dreams.

Domestic Cricket Achievements

Nurul Hasan's domestic career is a testament to his dedication and skill. He has been a part of various teams, showcasing his versatility and adaptability. Some of the teams he has represented include Chittagong Kings, Sylhet Super Stars, Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club, Khulna Division, Prime Bank, Chattogram Challengers, Minister Group Rajshahi, Fortune Barisal, and Rangpur Riders.

One of the standout moments in his domestic career came in October 2015 when Nurul posted his highest knock of an unbeaten 182 against Dhaka Division in the 2015-16 National Cricket League. This performance was particularly significant as it helped Khulna fight back in the match after being all out for just 117. His prowess with the bat was further highlighted during the 2017–18 Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League, where he emerged as the leading run-scorer for his team, amassing 546 runs in 12 matches.

Nurul's leadership qualities were also evident when he captained teams in List A and Twenty20 cricket during the 2017-18 and 2018–19 seasons. Under his leadership, his team clinched victory in the inaugural tournament of the Dhaka Premier Division Twenty20 Cricket League in 2018–19. He was also a top performer in the 2018–19 Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League tournament, scoring 524 runs in 16 matches.

International Debut and Journey

Nurul Hasan's international journey began with his T20I debut against Zimbabwe on 15 January 2016. This was followed by his One Day International (ODI) debut against New Zealand on 29 December 2016, which came about as a replacement for the injured Mushfiqur Rahim. His Test debut was against New Zealand on 20 January 2017.

His leadership qualities were recognized at the international level as well. In July 2022, Nurul was named as the captain of the Twenty20 International (T20I) team for Bangladesh's tour of Zimbabwe. This was a significant milestone in his career, showcasing the trust and confidence the selectors had in his abilities.

Notable Performances and Milestones

Throughout his career, Nurul has had several notable performances. His highest knock of an unbeaten 182 in domestic cricket stands out as a testament to his batting prowess. On the international stage, being named the captain of the T20I team for the Zimbabwe tour was a significant milestone, highlighting his leadership qualities and the trust the team management placed in him.

In December 2018, Nurul was named as the captain of Bangladesh's team for the 2018 ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup. This was another feather in his cap, showcasing his leadership skills and his ability to guide younger players.

In April 2021, he was named in Bangladesh's preliminary squad for the 2-match test series against Sri Lanka. This was followed by his selection across all formats for Bangladesh's tour to Zimbabwe in June 2021, marking his return to the international arena after a hiatus since his last international match in 2018.

In September 2021, Nurul was named in Bangladesh's squad for the 2021 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, further solidifying his position as a key player in the national team.

Unique Aspects of His Cricketing Style

Nurul Hasan, often referred to as "Sohan" in the cricketing circles, brings a unique blend of traditional and modern cricketing styles to the table.

As a wicket-keeper batter, his primary role is that of a hard-hitting finisher, a position that demands both technique and power Versatility in Batting: Nurul's ability to adapt to different match situations is commendable. Whether it's stabilising the innings after a top-order collapse or accelerating the run rate in the death overs, he has showcased his versatility time and again. His knock of an unbeaten 182 in domestic cricket is a testament to his ability to play long innings when required.

Wicket-Keeping Skills: Behind the stumps, Nurul is agile and sharp. His quick reflexes have led to many crucial dismissals, making him an invaluable asset to the team. His keeping skills are well-recognised in Bangladesh, and he's often lauded for his flexibility and agility.

Leadership Qualities: Nurul's leadership qualities are evident from his stints as captain in both domestic and international cricket. His ability to motivate the team, make strategic decisions, and lead from the front makes him a natural leader.

Adaptability: Nurul has played in various formats of the game, from Tests to T20s, and has showcased his adaptability. His batting technique varies according to the format, making him a versatile player.

Current Status and Future Prospects

As of now, Nurul Hasan is an integral part of the Bangladesh cricket team across all formats. His recent appointment as the captain of the T20I team for the Zimbabwe tour in 2022 underscores the trust and confidence the selectors have in him. Given his age and the experience he's garnered over the years, Nurul is poised to play a pivotal role in the Bangladesh cricket team's future endeavours.

His consistent performances in domestic cricket, combined with his international experience, make him a prime candidate for leadership roles in the future. With the retirement of senior players on the horizon, Nurul's role in the team is expected to become even more prominent.

The future looks promising for Nurul. If he continues to hone his skills, maintain his fitness levels, and adapt to the ever-evolving game of cricket, he could very well become one of the stalwarts of Bangladesh cricket in the coming years.

Nurul Hasan's journey in the world of cricket is a tale of dedication, perseverance, and hard work. From his early days in Khulna to representing Bangladesh on the international stage, he has showcased his talent and commitment to the sport. His unique cricketing style, combined with his leadership qualities, makes him a valuable asset to the Bangladesh cricket team. As he continues to evolve as a player, the future holds immense possibilities for him. Nurul's story serves as an inspiration for budding cricketers, highlighting the importance of passion, dedication, and continuous learning in the pursuit of excellence.

FAQs
When did Nurul Hasan make his international debut for Bangladesh?
Nurul made his T20I debut against Zimbabwe on 15 January 2016 and his ODI debut against New Zealand on 29 December 2016.
What is Nurul Hasan's primary role in the team?
Nurul Hasan is a wicket-keeper batter, known for his hard-hitting finishing skills in the lower order.
Has Nurul Hasan captained the Bangladesh cricket team?
Yes, Nurul Hasan was named as the captain of the T20I team for Bangladesh's tour of Zimbabwe in July 2022.
What is Nurul Hasan's highest score in domestic cricket?
Nurul posted his highest knock of an unbeaten 182 against Dhaka Division in the 2015-16 National Cricket League.
Which teams has Nurul Hasan represented in domestic cricket?
Nurul has played for various teams including Chittagong Kings, Sylhet Super Stars, Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club, Khulna Division, Prime Bank, and more.