For a brief moment Towhid Hridoy stood with his eyes closed and soaked in all the applause, including from Indian players.
Century-maker Hridoy’s journey to the international stage has been one of hardship and sacrifice. He was once rejected by the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP), the premier sports institution in the country. Then the Bogra-based family’s savings were swindled away by a fake cricket academy where Hridoy had enrolled. Yet, every setback made him only stronger.
But there was joy, and also pain, for Hridoy at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday en route to his 100 against India in their Champions Trophy opener.
Hridoy’s Struggle And Inspiration: From Setbacks To Success
On 98, battling severe cramps under the sweltering heat, Towhid Hridoy dived desperately to move to 99. Running out of partners, his body had given up, but his determination remained firm. Partnering with Jaker Ali, he helped Bangladesh recover from 35/5, showcasing immense resilience.
Hridoy’s journey to international cricket has been filled with hardships. Inspired by Bangladesh’s famous 2007 World Cup win over India, he aspired to represent his country. Rejected by BKSP and duped by a fake academy, his mother sacrificed their only land to support his dream. Former Bangladesh captain Khaled Mahmud later recognized his talent, offering him a coaching scholarship and an opportunity in the Dhaka First Division League, changing his life forever.
Ability to handle pressure
From a young age, Towhid Hridoy showcased the ability to bat under pressure. Inspired by Mushfiqur Rahim, he was seen as a future No. 4, playing a crucial role in Bangladesh’s 2020 U-19 World Cup win. However, technical adjustments to his batting led to struggles, and after a BPL final loss, he reverted to his original stance.
Walking in at 35/5 against India, Hridoy, dropped on 23 by Hardik Pandya, built a crucial 154-run stand with Jaker Ali. Using clever singles and slog sweeps against India’s spinners, he stabilized Bangladesh’s innings, proving why mentor Khaled Mahmud calls him the “heart” of their batting lineup.