Jaker Ali: Bangladesh's Rising Star Across Formats
Jaker Ali is quickly emerging as one of the most promising talents in Bangladesh cricket, impressing across all formats with his adaptability and consistency. Having showcased his potential in the West Indies tour, Jaker's recent match-winning knock of an unbeaten 72 in the third T20I not only secured a series sweep for Bangladesh but also highlighted his growing stature. While initially regarded as a T20I specialist, Jaker’s performances in Tests and ODIs have proven his versatility, making him a key figure in Bangladesh's future.
The right-handed batter has already impressed in longer formats, with fifties against South Africa and the West Indies in Test cricket, and significant contributions in the 50-over format. His all-round abilities have made him a valuable asset for the team across formats in 2024. Following his match-winning innings against the West Indies, T20I captain Litton Das praised Jaker’s consistency, calling his performances in all formats a "big thing for the team."
Bangladesh’s selection panel, including Hannan Sarkar, echoed similar sentiments, recognizing Jaker as one of the country's top emerging talents. Sarkar highlighted Jaker's adaptability, emphasizing his performances in various formats, including the Dhaka Premier League (DPL) and the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). His impressive showings in domestic cricket have played a significant role in preparing him for the international stage.
“Jaker has shown that he can play according to the demands of each format,” said Sarkar. “In domestic cricket, he has been contributing consistently, which has helped him develop the adaptability required for international cricket.”
Sarkar also acknowledged Jaker’s ability to endure the challenges of playing across formats. In domestic cricket, he has shown the maturity to handle different roles, whether batting at No. 4 or No. 5, and his ability to build innings has translated well into international cricket.
Despite Jaker's rise, Sarkar cautioned against rushing him into higher batting positions too soon. While his consistent performances suggest potential for a greater role, it’s important not to push him too quickly. Sarkar drew comparisons with Mehidy Hasan Miraz, noting that players need time to adapt to the nuances of international cricket.
“We have to be cautious and not make decisions based purely on emotion. Just because he is scoring runs doesn’t mean we should promote him up the order immediately,” said Sarkar. “He is currently playing the role that suits his development, and when he fully adapts to international cricket, we can consider adjusting his position.”
Sarkar also hinted at Jaker’s potential to fill the void left by Mahmudullah, whose career is nearing its end. While it's too early to say whether Jaker can replace Mahmudullah in all formats, his performances certainly suggest he can be a valuable option as a finisher, a role Mahmudullah has long played for Bangladesh.
Jaker Ali’s rise in Bangladesh cricket has been impressive. His ability to perform across formats has made him one of the brightest young stars in the country. As he continues to evolve, both his domestic and international performances suggest that he has the potential to become a mainstay in Bangladesh’s cricketing future. Whether he can sustain this form and fulfill his potential as a future finisher for Bangladesh remains to be seen, but he is certainly one player to watch in the coming years.
