Just-Retired Bangladesh Star Blames RCB Personnel For His Life’s Biggest Regret

Retired Bangladesh Star Blames RCB Personnel [Source: AFP]

For most cricketers, a long career is filled with both highs and lows. But for an ex-Bangladesh fast bowler, who recently announced retirement, one low point that stands out is the painful loss in the Nidahas Trophy 2018 final.

The Nidahas Trophy 2018 final was held between India and Bangladesh. India needed 34 runs off the last 12 balls, and Bangladesh were in control until Dinesh Karthik unleashed carnage.

Rubel Hossain opens up on Nidahas Trophy regret

Meanwhile, Rubel Hossain ruined things completely for Bangladesh when he walked up to bowl the 19th over. 

Ex-Indian cricketer and current RCB mentor Dinesh Karthik launched a stunning counterattack, smashing two sixes and two fours off Rubel in a single over. 

In a matter of minutes, the equation shifted dramatically, and the pressure swung back onto Bangladesh as they eventually lost the game. 

Recalling that game, Hossain admitted that after conceding the first boundary, he lost his composure. Instead of slowing things down and recalibrating, he rushed through his plans.

Rubel Hossain also revealed that he wishes he had taken time to speak with captain Shakib Al Hasan before continuing the over, a conversation that might have helped him reset mentally under pressure.

“That Nidahas Trophy final made me cry a lot. The way Dinesh Karthik hit those shots… we had almost won that match in Sri Lanka, but we lost it. That’s my biggest regret. I rushed things. I could have spoken more with Shakib bhai. After the first boundary, I panicked a bit,” Hossain said.

The emotional toll of that moment was immense. Rubel confessed that the loss brought him to tears, and years later, the memory still lingers.

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Why does this loss hurt more than others?

Interestingly, Rubel Hossain compared the Nidahas final to another painful defeat early in his career against the Sri Lanka national cricket team in 2009, a match where Bangladesh choked from a dominant position.

However, he doesn’t carry the same regret from that game. Back then, he was new to international cricket, still learning the ropes and dealing with nerves. 

“Not really that one. It was only my second international match. There were around 25–26 thousand spectators. I was nervous, and even setting the field was difficult for me back then,” he added.

In contrast, by 2018, Rubel Hossain was an experienced campaigner, and the weight of responsibility made the Nidahas final far more personal.

Rubel Hossain announced his retirement

Meanwhile, last week, Rubel Hossain formally announced his retirement from international cricket. In his farewell note, Rubel expressed deep attachment to the Bangladesh team, calling it his “emotion.”

Interestingly, Rubel played three ICC ODI World Cups in 2011, 2015 and 2019. He last played an international match in 2021 against New Zealand.

Even though he has retired from international cricket, Rubel Hossain isn’t done with the game yet. He plans to continue playing domestic cricket and also in the BPL.

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