Saif Hassan produced an all-round performance in the first T20I against the Netherlands. Bangladesh’s senior assistant coach Mohammad Salahuddin praised Saif for his comeback display while also cautioning the media.

Returning to the national side after four years, Saif took two wickets with the ball and later played a superb knock of 36 runs off 19 balls. His contribution played a major role in Bangladesh’s 8-wicket victory over the Netherlands.

However, Salahuddin urged journalists not to hype Saif too quickly based on just one match. He said:

“I have requested you (journalists) before as well — don’t raise someone up to the sky too quickly, and don’t pull someone down too quickly either. He (Saif) needs to perform consistently.”

Speaking about Saif, Salahuddin added:

“After struggling at the beginning of a career, it’s difficult to make a comeback. Above all, Saif carries the tag of being a Test cricketer, which not everyone gets. Especially after returning, the determination he has shown is commendable. He still needs to improve, but he himself has made that effort. He wanted to see himself at a certain height.”

Saif’s return to the national team is quite remarkable. At the start of his career, he was considered suitable for Test cricket. However, after six Tests without scoring a half-century, he was dropped.

In T20Is, too, Saif could not make much of an impact. Before the opening match against the Dutch, he had played five T20Is, getting out for zero twice. But in domestic cricket, he worked on improving his bowling alongside batting in the middle order to regain his form.

Salahuddin believes Saif has the ability to deliver consistently after enduring a difficult phase. He said:

“Many try, but not everyone has the patience to wait for one month, two months, or even a year. But I have seen him (Saif Hassan) show patience for four years. That is a big thing. I believe he will reap the rewards of his patience and determination.”