Khondokar Mohammad Rajin Saleh Alam, commonly known as Rajin Saleh, is a former cricket player from Bangladesh who was known for his resilience and determination on the field. Despite not being the most elegant stroke-maker, Saleh possessed a decent technique and a temperament that allowed him to bat for long hours. His willingness to endure physical blows while batting and fielding near the bat showcased his athleticism and commitment to the game. He, along with Khaled Mashud, stressed the importance of optimum fitness for Bangladeshi cricketers in order to thrive in international cricket.
Born in Sylhet, Rajin Saleh made a significant contribution to Bangladesh’s cricketing history when he played a crucial role in their maiden Test victory. In that match, he formed a pivotal 119-run partnership with Habibul Bashar and helped guide the team beyond the 300-run mark, a rare feat at the time. His match-saving fifty in the following Test secured the series for Bangladesh. Two seasons later, he showcased his resilience again by scoring two Test fifties against Australia in a home series. On his Test debut against Pakistan in 2003, Saleh scored a gritty half-century that played a significant role in keeping Bangladesh in the game for an additional five hours.
Throughout his career, Rajin Saleh was a consistent performer for his district and divisional sides, often serving as the backbone of their batting line-up. His achievements in age-group competitions earned him a call-up to the national team, where he made his mark by taking a memorable catch to dismiss Sachin Tendulkar in Bangladesh’s inaugural Test in 2000. In 2004, he captained the Bangladesh team in the Champions Trophy in England after regular captain Habibul Bashar suffered a thumb injury.
However, Saleh struggled to secure a permanent spot in the ODI team, leading to frequent exclusions from the squad. He managed to score his only century in 2006 against Kenya and was selected for the 2007 World Cup. After the tournament, his appearances for the national team dwindled, playing only seven more Test matches. Nevertheless, he made an impact by scoring a fifty against Sri Lanka and taking a breathtaking catch against India.
Despite his limited international appearances, Rajin Saleh continued to play domestic cricket for various clubs in Dhaka and his beloved Sylhet. In addition, he established a cricket academy in Sylhet, where he nurtures the talents of young cricketers.
While he may not have been the most stylish cricketer, his unwavering determination, resilience, and commitment to the game have left an indelible mark on Bangladesh cricketing history.
