Yasir in awe of senior players’ fitness

Yasir Ali Rabbi has been under the radar of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) for some time now. The right-handed batsman can easily be recognised for his broad frame but doesn't compromise on practice. Although he is yet to make his debut in Bangladesh colours, he never shies away from sweating it out in the practice sessions.

He has been constantly trying to improve his fitness. He doesn't have to look too far to find a role model. He can take inspiration from very hardworking cricketers in the Bangladesh team itself in the forms of Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim. 

Despite being one of the senior-most players in the side, Mushfiqur Rahim is used to working incredibly hard to upgrade his fitness level. Shakib Al Hasan, after his ban, has lost some weight and returned as a fitter cricketer. The likes of Tamim Iqbal, Mahmudullah have also been working on it.

All these happen much to the amazement of Yasir Ali. The right-handed batsman is a part of Bangladesh's preliminary squad for the two-match Test series against the West Indies. He spoke to the media before the practice session began.

"They (senior players) never fail to amaze me. It's incredible how they maintain fitness. We all know how hardworking Mushfiq bhai is. Shakib (Al Hasan) bhai and Tamim (Iqbal) bhai are very hardworking as well," said Yasir.

In addition, he said, "I always speak to them about how they do it. Now that cricket has become a highly competitive game, it's necessary for us cricketers to maintain a certain fitness level. Otherwise, it becomes difficult. So I watch them, speak to them and try to pick their brains."

Yasir, who hails from Chattogram, is looking forward to starting his journey in international cricket on his home ground. "We are going to play Tests after a year. It's a surreal feeling that Bangladesh will play on my home ground. I don't know if I will be there in the XI, but it's great to be here with the team," he concluded.