- June 15, 2025
Bangladesh cricket has been through some troubled times of late – two wins in six months is enough to put a frown on the face of any supporter. Amid the chaos, the retirements of senior players, and the many players simply not putting their hand up for selection, the one player who continues to rise above the rest is Jaker Ali. The wicketkeeper batter with the huge six-hitting and the fight in his jersey might just be the missing ingredient Bangladesh needs. In the following, I will break down who Jaker is and if he is the player to push Bangladesh through this rebuilding phase.
The Game-Changer Bangladesh Has Long Needed
If there is one thing Jaker Ali brings to the team, it is power — raw, all-encompassing power. For years, Bangladesh’s batting order could not consistently launch sixes and shift momentum in their favor. Jaker trained hard, collectively with the Comilla Victorians’ Coach Mohammad Salahuddin, and specifically on power-hitting drills. The result is that his sixes rose from 7 in 14 innings in 3 BPL seasons, to 14 sixes in 10 innings in the 2024 season, with a strike-rate over 140. An explosion of firepower lower down the order means Jaker often flips the match in the final overs from tight situations. In T20s, a six off Jaker’s bat is not just six runs; it often initiates a flow of runs and heaps pressure on the bowling team.
The Spirit and Tenacity That Propel the Team Forward
Jaker is more than just a physical player; he has personality and charm. A vocal figure on the field, he lifts the mood on the field at its lowest point. His animated wicketkeeping and banter while in the field is not merely a clown show; it is how Jaker ignites the rest of the team. On that terrible tour to the West Indies, when it was difficult for a pregnant woman to follow, it was Jaker’s way of never backing down, his ability to bat with the tail, and his total attitude that got the team through that trip. You don’t hit five sixes under pressure and in conditions that were ridiculously bad without total clarity of mind and a fighting spirit.
Jaker is also the player who takes the challenge when others do not. With veterans like Najmul, Litton, and Mushfiqur publishing form, Jaker has shown he is up to the challenge of cleaning up the mess in all forms. He does so in a way that brings smiles and fighting spirit that everybody feeds off — a rare and valuable quality in a team searching for confidence.
Can Jaker Carry the Batting Lineup?
No one can argue Jaker Ali is on the rise; however, can he maintain it and help take Bangladesh forward? Jaker’s journey from a reliable domestic player to an international player is a great story. First and foremost, he’s young, still developing, and most importantly, still hungry. It is also worth mentioning Jaker’s work ethic in his preparations – the way he has assessed the bowlers (even the main spinners for India) and prepared for that during mental preparation, shows he takes his profession as a cricketer seriously.
That said, cricket is a team sport, and if Bangladesh is going to repeat history and go on a slump, their top and middle orders are going to need to give these performers like Jaker the support they need. If the top and middle orders do step up, then Bangladesh could have that blend of guts and flair, finally. For now, Jaker is a spark and a secret ingredient stirring the pot, and if he continues to find a way to deliver the results, he will follow.
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