O Captain!

Described as "Bangladesh's solitary cutting edge" after a win against Australia, Mashrafe Mortaza had dismissed Gilchrist for a duck in the same match. His cricket career can best be described as a mixture of consistent genius and sheer hard work despite the unfortunate series of injuries that has left him unable to play at times.
The man leading the Bangladesh team to the ICC Cricket World Cup this year is loved no less for his playing style as his personality. His achievements speak for themselves – Mashrafe became the first Bangladeshi fast bowler to surpass the landmark of claiming 100 wickets in ODIs. Although called on late in the batting lineup, the fast bowler has also shown great proficiency when the need arises to hit big. Despite being a bowler, the captain holds the Bangladeshi records for highest strike rate in Tests and ODIs, and for scoring the most runs in an ODI over.

Mashrafe has come a long way since the under-17 regional tournament in 2001 where his talents were first spotted. He bowled fast, slammed sixes and thus started his journey into the hearts of Bangladeshi cricket lovers. His fiery spells of quick strikes and dedication towards his team makes Mashrafe the ideal captain – great for the team and loved by the supporters.
The eyes and hearts of the country are now towards this man who played a pivotal role in Bangladesh's first win against India.
“O Captain! my Captain! rise up and hear the bells;
Rise up—for you the flag is flung—for you the bugle trills”

Photo: Anisur Rahman