‘Enjoying every on-field moment is a blessing’: Mushfiqur embraces career twilight

Overcast skies forced the Bangladesh squad to push back their scheduled practice session in Sylhet today, but the grey weather couldn't deter Mushfiqur Rahim. Well before 10:00 am, the veteran was already at the ground -- a routine that has remained unchanged for over two decades.

The habit of being the first to arrive and the last to leave has defined Mushfiqur’s career. As the only Bangladeshi to have featured in over a hundred Tests, the 39-year-old is not quite ready to walk away from the attachment he has built on the green grass.

Since his debut in 2005, Mushfiqur and Bangladesh's Test journey have been almost synonymous. Now, 21 years into his international career, the wicketkeeper-batter hinted that while the end is inevitable, it is not immediate. 

And although he has stepped away from the shorter formats, he remains non-committal about a Test exit.

“No brother, I don't have a goal like that,” Mushfiqur told reporters, ahead of their second and final Test against Pakistan. 

“Tomorrow's match could be the end, or only Allah knows what remains. I try to approach every match with the mindset that I want to live a few more days before I die. 

“My only wish is to spend as many days on the field as possible… while I'm still in a good place.”

His philosophy of early arrivals and grueling sessions is rooted in self-belief. “Preparation is personal. It gives me confidence,” he explained. 

“When the whole team train, it's hard to accommodate 15 players at once. I come early to get my work done so that I don't hold anyone else up in the nets.”

For the country's most experienced campaigner, the current dressing room atmosphere provides fresh motivation. Mushfiqur credited the leadership for the team's evolving culture.

“At this stage of my career, enjoying every moment on the field is a blessing.

"Mominul [Haque] and [Najmul Hossain] Shanto have contributed immensely to taking our Test cricket forward. For the last few years, they’ve stuck to the process day-in and day-out without complaint. Seeing them happy makes me feel good. 

“The pool of consistent performers has grown, making it easier to face challenges. That’s been the biggest positive change in the last six or seven years.”