Saurashtra Women’s U23 captain Riddhi finally meets her idol Mushfiqur
As Bangladesh landed in India for a full bilateral series, Riddhi was waiting when Mushfiqur would come to Rajkot as she was keen to meet him.
The long wait for Saurashtra Cricket Association's U-23 women's team captain Riddhi Ruparel was finally over as her idol Mushfiqur Rahim gave her the chance to take a picture with him.
As Bangladesh landed in India for a full bilateral series, Riddhi was waiting when Mushfiqur would come to Rajkot as she was keen to meet him.
Mushfiqur Rahim didn't disappoint even though his epic 43 ball-60 that scripted Bangladesh's seven-wicket win over India in the first T20 came against her country.
But she is over the moon to get a chance to have a picture with her childhood hero Mushfiqur Rahim.
The women's U-23 were present at the ground watching the Bangladesh team's practice at Rajkot's Suharashtra Cricket Stadium.
Riddhi was waiting by the sidelines watching her favourite cricketer closely.
"I have been following him for two years. Last time I went to Bangladesh and wanted to meet him and Shakib Al Hasan but they were in some of the tournaments so I wasn't able to meet them. I represented Kalabagan [Krira Chakra] in Bangladesh's league." Ridhi told reporters at the ground on Tuesday.
"I idolize him because I am a wicket-keeper and a top-order batsman so the way he played in the last game I feel like I also play like that. Initially, he took time but suddenly he changed the game. Even after the catch was dropped, he was positive in his approach. He said 'I will make my team win'. I idolize him and also want to play like him,' she said adding his height played a part behind this adoration.
"I think he is the smallest in international cricket and I am the smallest in domestic cricket. Height doesn't matter as even short players can make the team win," the small-statured cricketer said.
"I idolize him and also Indian cricketers like [MS] Dhoni but their game is totally different [to mine] so I idolize Mushfiqur because he has a similar game to me."
The spirited cricketer's comments led to a discussion and Mushfiqur was finally approached by a BCCI personnel who arranged for Riddhi to meet her idol.
The shy but captivated Riddhi smiled from ear to ear when meeting her idol.
Mushfiqur was impressed when he heard that her fan is representing the national U-23 side as well.
He agreed to a photo with his young fan.
"Good luck," Mushy told her before leaving for the dressing room.