Mahidul Islam Ankon was the surprise package of the just-concluded Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). The wicketkeeper-batter, who is better known for his steadfast run-making, plundered 316 runs in 12 innings for Khulna Tigers as a finisher with an astonishing strike-rate of 174.58 – the highest among all batters with at least 300 runs in BPL 11. The 25-year-old on Saturday talked to The Daily Star's Samsul Arefin Khan regarding his batting transformation, his future plans and many other things. The excerpts are as follows: 

The Daily Star (DS): A different Ankon emerged in BPL 11. How did this transformation happen?

Mahidul Islam Ankon (MIA): In previous BPLs, I didn't get a lot of matches. But in the back of my mind, I always thought about how I can develop my shots, how I can make an impact batting at number six or seven. Before the season began, when the management told me about my batting position, it made things very easy and clear for me. I tried to execute my plans in the middle and whatever I have done, I'm happy with it.

DS: You were mostly warming the bench for Comilla Victorians in the last few editions. Do you feel unlucky for not getting more chances earlier?

MIA: I always believed that I could do well. I have that confidence. Due to the team combination, you may get fewer matches. At that time, I tried to improve myself day by day and not think too much. I always had the belief that whenever I get the opportunity, I can do really well in T20s.

DS: Your strike rate first picked up in the NCL T20 and then you carried that momentum into the BPL. How did you do that?

MIA: It's very tough to do well in T20s when you play it on and off. If you play regularly, you judge situations better. From that tournament [NCL T20] on, I tried to continue playing with a similar game plan so that I could score more runs in fewer balls. 

DS: You made your national team debut against South Africa in last year's Chattogram Test but are yet to play in the white-ball formats. How do you view yourself, a Test specialist or someone who can excel in every format?

MIA: I feel very proud that I debuted for Bangladesh in Test cricket first. White-ball cricket is valued more in our country but in other Test-playing nations, Test is considered the pinnacle. I believe I can play in all three formats. As I have debuted in Tests, I hope to continue playing in this format. And whenever I get the opportunity in white-ball, I hope to deliver good performances there as well. 

DS: There are quite a few wicketkeeper-batters in the Bangladesh team at the moment. It must be challenging to stand out, right?

MIA: I personally think this challenge is a good thing for Bangladesh cricket. I feel there is similar competition in other departments as well. I think we need even more competition in the team to do better in international cricket. Because of such competition, I always feel that I have no other option but to perform. If I can perform, the Almighty will take care of the rest.

DS: Do you see yourself as a finisher in white-ball formats or do you want to bat in other positions?

MIA: Personally, batting positions don't matter to me. From my childhood, I'm used to batting in different positions. In the Dhaka Premier League, I bat in the top-order whereas in the BPL, I batted lower down. I have no issues with batting positions.

DS: Many of your Under-19 teammates like Hasan Mahmud, Afif Hossain and Mohamamd Naim made it into the Bangladesh team much before you. Did you ever feel disappointed by that?

MIA: It's not like 10-11 U-19 cricketers from the same batch debut for the national team at the same time, this is a process. I always had the belief that I would play for Bangladesh. They delivered good performances much earlier than me and that's why they got selected. When I put forth similar performances, I believe I will get a place in all formats.

DS: What are your next goals?

MIA: I always try to perform well wherever I play. I don't think much about selection. I always try to maintain my process and make myself fitter to perform better.  I'm more focused on that and I always believe that one day I can do well in all three formats.