Photo: Collected

DHAKA, Oct 8, 2025 (BSS) - Bangladesh legspinner Rishad Hossain showed his 
extreme desire to learn from Ricky Ponting, an Australian legend who will 
supervise the Big Bash franchise Hobart Hurricanes.

The Hobart Hurricanes drafted him for the upcoming Big Bash season and there 
is a high chance for Rishad to be available for the full season.

"As a legspinner, if I get to play in these foreign leagues, it will be good 
for me and for my bowling," Rishad said in a recent interaction organised by 
Hurricanes. "I'll get opportunities to improve my skills.

Citing Ponting as his one the favourties players, he said, he grew up 
watching the Australian legend, who of late made his mark as a coach also.

"Ponting was one of my favourite players growing up; I used to watch him 
play. I'm really looking forward to working with him," he said.
 
"More than the players, I'm looking forward to working with Ricky Ponting and 
playing under his coaching."

Rishad usually plays the role of a middle-overs wicket-taker for Bangladesh, 
a thing he wants to do for the Hurricanes as well.

"As a legspinner, my job is to take wickets after the powerplay. I hope to 
continue that in Hobart," he said. "My goal is to create doubt in the 
batter's mind by using different angles. It's just another variation. I 
believe in my strengths, and day by day I'm trying to improve - even if it's 
just by one or two percent - without thinking too much about the future."

Rishad has taken at least one wicket in seven of the last eight T20Is - 
including five wickets in the recent T20I series against Afghanistan in 
Sharjah that Bangladesh won 3-0.
 
"I think it was important to get off to a good start right after the Asia 
Cup," Rishad said. "Winning the series is always a good feeling."