Impact matters most, batting position doesnt - Saif Hasan tells Cricket97

Saif Hasan was once regarded as a red-ball specialist, even labeled a “Test cricketer.” But today, he is a familiar face in Bangladesh’s T20 setup and has even been entrusted with vice-captaincy responsibilities. In an exclusive interview with Cricket97, Saif spoke about his significant transition from Test cricket to T20s.
Saif said,
“To put it simply, I always try to maintain the process. The way I train mentally and physically—I try to maintain all of that. I never really think about the outcome. When things go well, I analyze how I can do even better. And when things go badly, I do the same.”
Talking about the people who contributed to his rise, Saif mentioned,
“When I was in the BCB program, Babul sir was always there. He has been helping us since the Under-19 level. Then in domestic cricket, in the List A team I played for, Sohel sir was there and always supported me. During the off-season, I worked with Salahuddin sir for a long time—he helped me a lot and still continues to do so.”
When asked whether getting a sudden opportunity in T20 cricket was a surprise, Saif responded,
“It wasn’t a surprise, but I would say that over the last two or three years I’ve gotten continuous opportunities in T20s, which helped me a lot. The BPL, then the Global Super League twice, playing for Rangpur, the BCB tournament in Australia—the Top End tournament, the NCL tournament. I got to play many T20 tournaments, and that helped me greatly.”
Saif also revealed that Nurul Hasan Sohan was the first to inform him about his national team call-up.
“At that time, I was in Australia playing the Top End tournament. Sohan bhai informed me first. Then one of the selectors, Raj bhai, who was there, also informed me.”
Speaking about captain Litton Das, Saif said,
“When I came back to Bangladesh, my first conversation was with Litton bhai. As soon as I joined the team, he made everything very clear for me—gave me a clear plan. Since I play at No. 3 and No. 4, he gave me the freedom to play to my strengths. Before every match, he gives me a clear plan—whether I’ll open or bat at No. 4 that day. I’m always ready.”
Saif emphasized that he is ready to play in any position for the team,
“I think when you’re playing for Bangladesh, what you personally like doesn’t really matter. If I can open, bat at 3 or 4. If Iman can do it, then there’s no problem. We’re all playing for Bangladesh. What matters more is whether I can make an impact for the team.”