Mushfiqur credits former trainer Karppinen for transforming his work ethic

Within Bangladesh's cricketing fraternity, Mushfiqur Rahim stands apart with his impeccable work ethic. Several Bangladesh cricketers unanimously agree that no one can match the legendary wicketkeeper-batter's hard work and discipline, which juniors are asked to follow as soon as they enter the national team dressing room.

While most long-time teammates move toward post-retirement careers, Mushfiqur remains as hungry to excel as he was on his international debut against England at Lord's, 21 years ago. The first to training and the last to leave, he religiously does personal sessions even when teammates take breaks for family.

Mushfiqur credits former national trainer Stuart Karppinen for changing his approach to fitness. Karppinen served as Bangladesh's strength & conditioning coach from 2004-2006 and returned as physical high-performance manager between 2012-2016.

"When I first got the opportunity to play for the national team, we had a trainer named Stuart Karppinen. I think in the history of Bangladesh cricket, nobody like him ever came and I doubt if anyone like him will ever come in the future," Mushfiqur said on the Simply Sayeed podcast.

"Being a 17-year-old from the U-19s, getting noticed by Stuart amidst legendary players like Habibul Bashar, Khaled Mashud, Mohammad Rafique, Mashrafe bin Mortaza and Mohammad Ashraful—all in their peak—was naturally big," he said.

"He told me I could easily compete with senior players due to my age, but I needed to ensure my work ethic improved with age to avoid shortcomings. As you age, speed, endurance and strength drop. That extra work became a habit from that point."

Mushfiqur revealed Karppinen's advice to work alone. "When you work alone, no one can see you. In training, you can do one minute instead of 30 seconds because no one is watching. When you do it perfectly and honestly, it becomes a habit."

Through good and bad times, Mushfiqur built himself bit by bit, turning into a Bangladesh legend through hours of training. He will be remembered not just for achievements, but for unwavering dedication.